Kiko Escora

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas, which is clear ad taut. There are indications of minor wear and handling to the margins and faint craquelures located on the black stiletto shoes, but paint layers are well-preserved and stable. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows light evidence of retouching on the upper right register (near the margin). Unframed, on stretcher.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Kiko Escora, one of Manila’s most acclaimed contemporary artists and distinguished chronicler, captures both the sensual affluence and affected glamour of high life and night entertainment in his works. The artist places his subjects at close range, illustrating people, mostly party-goers, at their most guarded façade. Often severe to the point of being pretentious, Escora’s subjects are products of their times: modern, urban, wealthy, well dressed, and bored. They are drawn from real life, from friends, dreams, places.

In this Untitled work, a female figure wearing only a pair of stiletto shoes, is found standing on a table accompanied by an on looking smoker studying her pose. The subject matter is absurd, yet the “natural” ambience renders this as normal in today’s society. The woman proceeds to arch back to a sharp 90^o angle, showing off her muscular legs that only further suggest the action as such a regular workout. The man, though positioned right in front of her, does not give off any indication of being impressed. Interestingly, both characters are unidentifiable as the woman is only illustrated from the breast down, and the man is concealed by the woman’s rear end. The anonymity of the two characters adds to the taboo characteristic of the environment, but this atmosphere does not seem to excite either of the figures. Both individuals are either extremely on guard of their emotions and passions, or have truly gone numb and bored from the overabundance of liberty and vice in modern culture.

This painting marks Escora’s brilliant growth as an artist, his transition from the pencil and charcoal sketches that marked the start of his career to his current, more elaborate portraiture. Though simply depicted, its subversion inspires musings and conversation. It provides an insight into the emotions behind the seemingly sterile veneer that wealth and modernity make so easy to put up yet are so difficult to hide from view, especially from the intelligent gaze of the sensitive onlooker.