Designer’s collection: Auggie Cordero’s Ocampo and Olmedo works at auction
When fashion designer Auggie Cordero passed away in October 2022, he left behind not only a formidable body of work but also an impressive art collection. His estate includes paintings by National Artist for Visual Arts H.R. Ocampo and expressionist master Onib Olmedo.
Cordero’s two untitled Ocampo acrylic on paper artworks of a woman and a child, as well as of a woman and a man, are to be auctioned off, along with an untitled Olmedo depicting a woman with a violin. The trio is part of Salcedo Auctions’ “Finer Pursuits: Important Philippine Art and Rare Collectibles” event that will take place at its headquarters in Makati City.
“This is just the first drop,” Salcedo Auctions chair and chief specialist Richie Lerma says of Cordero’s possessions. He told Lifestyle at the vernissage, “There will be something bigger in September.”
The spotlight is also given to National Artists for Visual Arts Jose Joya and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz beside fellow legends Vicente Manansala, Fernando Zóbel, Juvenal Sansó, and Pacita Abad. Meanwhile, the first-ever National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo, is represented by three sketches dating back to his early years.
The auction include hundreds of sculptures, furniture, religious relics, books, antiques, and many others that will interest different types of collectors. It also caters to those who are just starting to collect with a limited budget.
“The price points vary, but what I can promise is that these are pieces that we’ve vetted and that we feel are important, whether from an art historical point of view or from the general collecting point of view as well,” the auction house’s cofounder pointed out.
Art matters
When starting a collection of art or of any other valuable objects, Lerma says his advice has always been to focus on the narrative that goes behind it. He explains, “If that narrative impacts you in some way, whether it’s emotionally, or whether it’s a certain understanding of history, for example, the prices of these pieces should not be a hindrance. In time, a lot of these pieces will grow in value as well, as the understanding or appreciation of that collection genre grows.
“Sometimes some of the best acquisitions are those acquired simply because one liked it or simply because somebody recognized its importance. Over time, that value has grown for whatever reason. And we’ve seen that happen.”
He gives another piece of advice especially for those going to the auction for the first time: “Don’t acquire something simply because it’s by a known name. Not every known name does a good work.”
Lerma talked about the importance of owning at least one piece of artwork. “I think more than anything else, besides the edifying aspect of having art, is joy that it brings when you bring it into your home and seeing it on a daily basis.”
