Celebrated Filipino contemporary artist Keenan Garrido has reached a significant achievement with the sale of his poignant painting “Descent Into Self” for Dh75,000 to collector Wella Mañabo, Founder & CEO of Wels Gallery. This purchase occurred at the VIP Night of World Art Dubai 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Center, presented at the Filipino Pavilion – Spectro Lucid stand, highlighting Garrido’s expanding influence in the Middle Eastern art scene and affirming the global appeal of his deeply psychological narratives.
Currently, “Descent Into Self” is exhibited at L’AVENUE Restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, offering visitors the chance to engage with this compelling artwork in a cultural and lifestyle environment, while enjoying the venue’s blend of comfort and exquisite dining.
“Descent Into Self” delves into introspection and vulnerability. At its heart, a peacock-adorned figure removes its helmet, symbolizing the bravery to face hidden truths and embrace life’s darker aspects. This piece turns self-reflection into a pilgrimage, exploring the subconscious and the architecture of memory.
Garrido integrates strong symbols within the artwork:
● Cats as guardians of the subconscious, balancing clarity against intrusive thoughts.
● Tarsiers as primal instincts, protecting the psyche from chaos.
● Pillars as dreamlike embodiments of human desires for wealth, love, and family, each intertwined with struggle and suffering.
● Statues of parental figures as silent sentinels shaping identity, embodying both reverence and fear.
Collector Wella Mañabo praised the painting’s complex storytelling, noting its ability to highlight the universal tension between aspiration and vulnerability. This acquisition is not just a transaction but an acknowledgment of Garrido’s voice as one that expresses the complexities of the human condition.
Wella Mañabo, Founder & CEO of Wels Gallery, stated, “Descent Into Self” is a profound piece that reflects both the vulnerability and resilience of the human spirit. Keenan Garrido skillfully translates deeply personal narratives into universal truths, allowing viewers to find parts of their own journeys within his art. At Wels Gallery, we are dedicated to showcasing voices that challenge perception and spark dialogue, and Garrido’s work is a powerful addition to that mission.”
Regarding the sale, Garrido shared: “This piece is about stripping away layers of pride and façade to confront truths we often hide. Seeing it resonate so profoundly with someone else validates the power of vulnerability as a shared human experience.”
With “Descent Into Self”, Garrido continues to forge a path in contemporary art marked by bold allegory, psychological depth, and visual richness. The Dh75,000 purchase by Wels Gallery not only signals the rising value of his works but also the increasing recognition of Filipino contemporary art on the global stage.
