Well, this is my first writing project of the year (outside of the 2013 backlogs). Aside from that, this is also a first for me to create an exhibition note for a gallery exhibition. Thanks to Leslie de Chavez for providing this great learning moment. It was fun working with him and meeting a number of new people I get to have art conversations with.
The exhibition note reads as follows:
Concurrence deals with multiplicity occurring simultaneously, transcending the limits of space and time. Emerging artists create their individual art projects in the construction of their identities, but at the same time are obliged to belong in the art world. They are necessitated to participate in exhibitions, markets, grants, awards, critiques, and writings. Increased mobility, real or virtual, creates a palette for requisite collaborative projects, as artists move together in shared experiences of a global society.
The exhibit provides a glimpse of the artist’s divergent concerns. Their shared experiences happen simultaneously, coming together despite the differences in medium, content, location, and ideals. Concerns in contemporary art, institutional and otherwise, are also reflected in the works. The artists, while working together, contemporaneously enhance and stimulate each other in their practice. The initiative in engaging complexities in art production provides a template for growth and development, building towards a sustainable contemporary art world.
Concurrence witnesses various narratives of cultures reflected and transformed by art. The projects range from personal, social, political, historical, and conceptual–yet each project comes together as a statement for contemporary Asian art. As an individual, an artist may deal with specific concepts of dreams and ideals, everyday lifestyle, socio-political critiques, and decay and decomposition; yet such individuality is transformed into a shared concern through multi-faceted connections. Individual art projects are transcribed into a unified goal, formed together in a meeting of intentions. Concurrence prevails even as it is subservient to diverging goals and recalcitrant to various powers.
**The exhibit is a collaborative project by Paul Eric Roca, Amer Mira, Guinnevere Decena, Ritesh Ajmeri, Zelin Seah, Christopher Zamora, Roedil Geraldo, Shinji Ryu, Iqro’ Ahmad Ibrahim, Jayeon Kwon, Ranelle Rain, Tristam Miravalles, Che Jinsuk, An Gyungsu, Nugroho Heri Cahyono, Chong Ai Lei, Hee K. Bae, Leslie de Chavez, Se-Eun An, and Iggy Rodriguez. It is a multi-disciplinal exhibition of young, emerging artists from the Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, India and Malaysia. It features diverse forms of contemporary artworks including drawings, paintings, inter-media, video installations and sculptures. The exhibition will be held at West Gallery from January 9 until February 9. Opening reception will be on January 9, 6:00 pm.
Here are some of the snapshots from the opening:
Openings wouldn’t really be as fun without friends to share the moment with.
And the best way to end an evening like this is with a cup of coffee. And maybe a selfie.
Portia Placino 