Sculpted from stainless steel, the Cubi Sculpture here in Mandaluyong embodies the final artistic explorations of David Smith. The Cubi series, which includes this piece, stands as a testament to Smith’s journey toward simplified, abstract expression. Tragically, Smith died in a car accident shortly after completing Cubi XXVIII in 1965. The Cubi Sculpture, though abstract in its geometric forms, hints at figural elements. Look closely, and you might perceive a figure standing on crossed legs. This duality between abstract and figurative was a hallmark of Smith’s style, much like other abstract expressionists. Smith often moved between different stages of development within a series, and the Cubis are a prime example. The numbering of the Cubi sculptures doesn’t reflect the order of their creation. The inscriptions Smith welded onto the base of each sculpture reveal their true chronology. Many Cubi sculptures now grace prestigious museum collections worldwide. You’ll find them at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 2005, Cubi XXVIII fetched a staggering $23.8 million at Sotheby’s, setting a record for contemporary art at auction. It marked the pinnacle of Smith’s four-decade career.
Asian Social Institute
Deep within Manila stands the Asian Social Institute. It is more than just a school. It’s a crucible of social