03/03/2024
Ang Kiukok's profound shapes tell us stories of everyday relationships, societal conditions, and familiar objects viewed beyond their basic purpose.
Seeing in New York Picasso’s Guernica, which depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, proved pivotal for Ang. He came home to Manila from his sojourns in France and the United States and evolved into his own style—characterized by the expressive, cubic, and mostly anguished images, which became his hallmark. Despite shaking the audience with the brutal imagery in his works, Ang Kiukok became a favored artist. He is sought after in the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia.
In this painting from the BSP Art Collection, Dog Fight (1973), Ang Kiukok shows two frenzied creatures, seemingly engaged in a playful or violent activity. The black dog, which appears to be at an advantage, pins down the agonistic white dog and takes ultimate control.
Ang Kiukok's visual language suggests movement and life. He does so by emphasizing the sharp edges of the cubic, angular shapes, and stark opposing colors, leaving audiences wondering what transpired next.
Ang Kiukok received the National Artist for Visual Arts award in 2001.
