A PANDEMIC does not seem to freeze the movement of art, for Salcedo Auctions subsidiary Gavel&Block is going on its fourth online auction titled “Interiors.”

The auction, featuring lots ranging from art to home decor, will have about 700 lots up on the block on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m.

About 100 of these items, as shown in an online vernissage last Saturday, will serve to benefit volunteer organization Hands on Manila Foundation, Inc. (HOM).

“Operating for close to two decades in the Philippines, HOM specializes in mobilizing communities through their volunteer programs. Patterned after the Points of Light affiliates in the United States, and now in different continents, HOM is the first international affiliate in the world,” said a release.

Meanwhile, HOM President Lizette Cojuangco said during the Zoom call that HOM promotes volunteerism by teaching volunteers leadership skills and providing programs in the areas of education, the environment, livelihood, and health. “With the current situation we have, it is imperative that we mobilize volunteers to address COVID-related issues,” said Ms. Cojuangco. She said that early during the pandemic, they have responded by providing for the needs of frontliners by way of transportation and donations in cash and in kind (in the form of equipment and food). “This time, Hands on Manila aims to promote COVID-19 food security solutions through sustainable programs like urban and rural gardening,” she said.

Another special section of the sale will be devoted to the Bid for the Future fundraising program for Escuela Taller de Filipinas Foundation, an NGO that trains underprivileged youth with the skills needed for cultural heritage preservation.

The lots that are earmarked for the benefit of HOM, along with the other lots, are available for viewing at Salcedo Auctions website. Among these, there are four items that are sure to generate a lot of interest. A Jose Joya work in acrylic on paper titled China Sea has an estimate of P1.45 million to P1.55 million. Two paintings by Betsy Westendorp (No. 714 — 1993 and Orquidsis No. 1471-2018) have estimates that range from P850,000 to P950,000. Meanwhile, one of the Crucifix paintings by National Artist Ang Kiukok has an estimate of P1.2 million to P1.5 million.

Other works up on the block are pieces by National Artists Vicente Manansala, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Cesar Legasi. There are also works by Mauro “Malang” Santos, Juvenal Sanso, Gus Albor, Romulo Olazo, and Ramon Orlina. Also up for grabs are a Zobel watercolor, sculptures from National Artists Arturo Luz and Guillermo Tolentino, an untitled work in ink on paper by Roberto Chabet, and an acrylic painting by National Artist for Sculpture Abdulmari Imao titled Sarifish.

On the Interiors theme, antiques such as vases and Art Deco settees are also up on the block, as are pieces from Lalique and Lladro. A bit unusual are cookware (they’re still part of the interior, after all), as are a set of gold-plated cutlery. Antique silver also accompanies this hoard, as are pieces from Baccarat. — Joseph L. Garcia

Handbags from Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel are also included among the lots.

Salcedo Auctions director Richie Lerma indicates that the entire hammer price of the lots dedicated to HOM will go to the organization. However, he does make clear that while some of the items are full donations to the organization, some lots are partial donations.

Asked about the relevance of auctioning off art during a pandemic, he points not just to the potential buyers, but also the people selling their own pieces. “There is an ongoing need, of course, given everything that’s happening,” said Mr. Lerma. “Art allows all of us to be able to unlock value, and through that value, it allows us to be able to contribute; to help others… most of these things, people just have sitting around at home. Given a venue where one could present or share all of these pieces, where they can be sold, either in whole or in part, that could go towards helping others — I think that’s a wonderful thing to have.”

He also points out: “People also have, given the current situation, very different reasons as well, whether it be financial, an estate issue that they’d like to settle, or simply being able to unlock value; to be able to continue to enjoy a certain modicum of comfort in these unprecedented times.

“We don’t see these as being incongruous to what’s happening today. In fact, we feel that we fill in a need for people.”

“Interiors” by Gavel&Block forms part of the continuing commemoration of Salcedo Auctions’ 10th anniversary. To join the auction, one should register through salcedoauctions.com/auctions. — Joseph L. Garcia