1975 / Oil on canvas / 91.5 x 122 cm / Artist: Tam Austria / Johnny Litton collection

Lakeshore artist Austria works within the parameters of his mentor Carlos V. Francisco aka Botong Francisco and the latter’s vision and virtuosity. Working on myths and legends as well as rustic scenes, such as planting, harvesting, madonnas and children, family of weavers, fishers, or travelers, the artist explains that he is provoked to create by his environment. He also says that from the very start, he felt the need “to continue what has been started by our great artists—not to change tradition, but to think on how an individual artist can contribute to it.” Indeed Austria has further developed the Botong tradition. He lends more linearity to its forms, more warmth and transparency to its colors, and injects gentility into its figures.

This harvest scene is a picture of utopian grace and steadfast vitality. The whimsical fullness of muscles, veins, and sinew, and the undulating fluidity of the harvested stalks may be interpreted as an idealization of human labor or as the common person’s aspiration for a joyful, healthful, and bountiful life.