If you think you’re tired, remember that Brooklyn-based artist Ernest Concepcion hasn’t had enough rest since he took a vacation here for a little close to two years now. Booked exhibit after exhibit, he also caught the eyes of the Cultural Center of the Philippines this year for the Thirteen Artists Awards. Shortly after the announcement, he’s scheduled for more shows until the Thirteen Artists’ exhibition in September.
Tomorrow, he’s set to present Re-evolve in Purgatory, an exhibition of new works at 1335 Mabini. Presenting his fascination for mixing unlikely materials like enamel, oil, and plaster, Ernest shows off the things he has learned throughout the years and why this, as much as he’s been going on for a while, is just the beginning of many more things.
What is the biggest risk you faced in the creative process for this series?
The first was bringing back my old work from The Line Wars and integrating them with my new works. The second was how I began with no prior sketch but still had to make them coherent. You’ve got to make your works match one another even if you’re free to do what you want. It’s called organized chaos, which I know is contradicting. But in my exhibits, you’ve got to be chaotic yet visually sound.
What was your inspiration for this set of works?
I really don’t know. For me, I take this as a job. It’s work for me. I did also take [from] music. The title of the exhibit is taken from a song by this band, Bells Of from Teen Beat Records. I’ve been listening to them and I even told the band about it, and they were very happy to hear about it.
So why then Re-evolve in Purgatory?
Purgatory being a temporary hell and suffering. I had those moments in the studio where it was so hot because of the weather and the materials that I used. It’s also how these paintings are a re-evolution of my aesthetic. I combined the different elements I had in my other exhibits to see how they would all look together.
Do you feel pressured about this exhibit considering it comes close after being chosen as part of this year’s CCP Thirteen Artists Awards?
Not really. I’ve been always trying to transcend the works I’ve done before. I always compare solo exhibits to music albums. When you make a music album, you need to sound better or different than your last record. I just keep challenging myself. I am happy that I got the award but I had to double my efforts anyway. It’s a natural thing for me.
What do you want to communicate to your audience with these works?
You tell me what they tell you. For me, it’s the joy of experimenting and being lost. It’s making something out of nothing. I guess I also want to tell people that you can do anything you want. I always want people to look at my work and say “I didn’t know that was possible.”
What are your next projects after this?
I have a residency at the Hao House Museum in Taiwan and, of course, the show for CCP. I also have another project this year, but I have to keep it as a secret for now.
Re-evolve in Purgatory opens tomorrow, June 6, and will be up for viewing until July 3 at 1335 Mabini Gallery.
1335 A. Mabini Street, Ermita, Manila. For more information, email info@1335mabini.com.
Photos by Patrick Segovia