Slice Of Life Instant Bistros (1987) by Larry Alcala
Artist: Larry Alcala (All)
3 Comments - 25,113 Views - 2 Likes
Additional Images:
Published Page
Rogue Magazine October 2016 Feature
Philippine Daily Inquirer Oct.28,2018
Paskuhan Sa Manila 2020 (Mehan Garden)
The Sunday Times May 9, 1993
Back of Art Board
Artwork Details
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DescriptionDuring my childhood in the eighties, I'd always wait for the Sunday papers to check out Larry Alcala's "Slice of Life" segment just to try to find the hidden Larry in the drawing. These illustrations inspired me to learn how to draw.Since I got into art collecting, finding an example of Larry Alcala's work has always eluded me, not for lack of trying. Most of his Slice Of Life artwork are probably locked up in private collections. I started my search for his art around 2011, and just this year the opportunity to own one came knocking so I immediately grabbed it. After four years, I finally came full circle and own original art from the master illustrator who inspired me to draw. I got this one "Sidewalk Bistros" because of how it depicts Filipino life with so much details: from passengers of a luxury car, jeepney, bicycle, and motorcycle all eating street food; to over 70 characters in the photo each with his/her own distinct expression; to the different food sellers from simple huts with patched-up roofs, food trucks, push-carts, makeshift tents, and fancy restaurants - it is all unbelievable how the master could put up so many details in one piece. I heard there is a campaign to have Larry Alcala recognized with the title of "National Artist" in the Philippines. This doesn't really matter, since with or without that, Larry Alcala is a national hero and personal inspiration. ****UPDATE 10/26/2016 **** Rogue Magazine cover dated October 2016 had a feature on Larry Alcala written by his granddaughter, Ana. This art was featured, and I am attaching in the additional images section of the portions of the magazine that features Alcala - including the cover. ****UPDATE 12/20/2018 **** On October 23, 2018, Larry Aclala was given the citation as National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts by President Duterte. This piece - Sidewalk Bistros - was published in the October 28, 2018 issue of Philippine Daily Inquirer, but I never kept a copy. Instead, I have included a new additional image which is the digital version of that article. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1047513/looking-for-larry-alcala-slices-of-a-creative-life So now, apart from its original publication in the July 21, 1987 issue of a Philippine Sunday newspaper magazine (Manila Times, I believe), "Sidewalk Bistos" has now been published at least two more times - in Rogue Magazine and Philippine Daily Inquirer. I'd like to add that this artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Mr. Alcala's nearest of kin. I would rather not post a scan of it because I understand a number of his works are being faked now, and even certificates can be faked too, so really need to be careful. ****UPDATE 5/15/2019 **** I just reframed the art to be in a bigger frame and white matte. **** UPDATE 12/28/2020 **** This original art was used in the Paskuhan Sa Manila (Christmas in Manila) Fair in December 2020 in a wall dedicated to Larry Alcala. It might be the biggest ever reproduction of the art. **** UPDATE 4/12/2022 **** I was able to dig up the actual published page from The Sunday Times Magazine. It turns out that the editors change the title to "Instant Bistros" so I also changed mine. "Instant Bistros" is what it is as published even if Larry Alcala's original title was "Sidewalk Bistros" after briefly considering "House of Mami Siopaw." I don't see a date on the published page image so the jury is still out if it was really published on July 21, 1987. **** UPDATE 7/20/2022 **** The official Facebook page of Larry Alcala used this image in their FB Cover which was intended to promote and launch their foray into NFT's. **** UPDATE 11/21/2023 **** A scan of the back of the published page shows that it is actually from May 9, 1993. My guess is that it was published as originally stated in 1987 and was reprinted in the said 1993 issue, which is the scan of the published page I am using here. So this page has been published twice. Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Timothy Finney
Member Since 2006
Posted on 2/23/2015
It is a nice little slice of life and the fact that it is drawn by the illustrator who inspired you makes it all the more special. Congrats.
Terence Ceniza
Member Since 2005
Posted on 10/23/2015
Congratulations on a stunning piece. I used to look forward to Alcala's Slice of Life every week as well as his other title, Bing, Bam, Bung on Funny Komiks. This brings back good childhood memories. But now that I'm older, I can also appreciate the thought that went into such an intricate illustration, and the fact that Larry had to come up with a new piece each week. He deserves being hailed as a National Artist!
Carlos Castanos
Member Since 2013
Posted on 1/21/2024
Beautiful piece! Hope to own an original Larry Alcala also at some point. Congratulations!
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