The Philippines’ Tam Austria interprets the age-old Mother and Child theme with more than a touch of folk genre. A regional artist, Austria is also known for his interpretation of Philippine myths. Among his earlier works were a Madonna and Child series in far more somber tones, avoiding the usual sentimentality of the subject. While his ideas may seem rarefied, his works, sought-after pieces by collectors for the naturalness of their forms and the masterful combination of colors, are as rooted as you can get: rich flora and fauna surrounding figures (usually of women) in their distinct Filipiniana dresses who conduct themselves with subtle elegance such as in gathering palay stalks, blowing...