Lithographs by Dali, sketches by Matisse to be auctioned off for ISM scholars

MANILA, Philippines – Rare lithographs by Salvador Dali and sketches by Henri Matisse are going up for sale at “benefit,” an auction to raise funds for the Filipino scholars of International School Manila (ISM).

The bidding range for one set of lithographs is at P50,000 to P60,000, while the bidding range for another untitled lithograph goes from P85,000 to P95,000.

Meanwhile, the bidding range for each of the Matisse sketches is from P22,000 to P25,000.

The auction also features pieces from Filipino masters, including Ang Kiukok, Ramon Orlina, Eduardo Castrillo, and Arturo Luz.

Also part of the sale is a limited edition digital print by Ronald Ventura, which was donated in full by the artist himself.

Apart from art, the sale will also feature artifacts, rare jewelry and furniture, including a 20th century Bontoc shield and spear, a diamond solitaire ring set by Hans Brumann, and a pair of chairs designed by Kenneth Cobonpue for APEC 2015.

The auction raises money for the Vicky SyCip Herrera Foundation, which funds ISM’s scholarship program. The program currently supports 4 Filipino students from middle school through high school. The scholarship not only covers their tuition fees, but also their expenses for extra-curricular activities. The school also helps scholars find housing if needed.

ISM scholars have gone on to gain admission to top universities around the world, including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Princeton.

The foundation’s chairman is headed by Bong Bernas, a lawyer who is himself an ISM alumnus.

“I think that was the beginning of the rest of my life,” Bernas said, recalling his entrance to the school.

“That’s where I began to be more conscious of thinking more critically and examining why you think this way or why you like this, or why you don’t like that. This kind of self-examination is always good because it allows you to be conscious about what you’re going to do and it allows you also to listen to others more critically,” he said.

The auction will be held at The Peninsula Manila on May 5. The auction catalog can be viewed on the Salcedo Auctions website. – Rappler.com