Roldan, Amiel Gerald “Ernest Concepcion – Featured Artist”, BANG! The Metro Art Zine for ManilaBang ‘24, p83, 2024
THE Grip Of Salvation I, II and III (triptych) : mixed media and light fixture on canvas, 96 x 213 in. 2024
Exhibited during The ManilaBang Show ’24 at SPACE One Ayala, Makati, Philippines
Filipino-American artist Ernest Concepcion first ventured into transmedia painting through large-format studies, originally intended for an international exhibit he could not complete. Despite the setback, Concepcion remained untroubled, appreciating the lessons he gained from his academic training. His university years had instilled in him a sense of flexibility, discipline, and conceptual rigor, thanks to a professor who influenced both his and his peers’ creative approaches. This academic foundation fostered a process-based mindset in Conception, where repetition, deconstruction, and hundreds of preparatory studies deepened his understanding of art-making. It was shared discipline that bonded him with others in the art community.
After relocating to Brooklyn, New York, Concepcion fully immersed himself in the city’s dynamic, bohemian lifestyle. He quickly became a part of New York’s thriving art scene, exhibiting alongside contemporary artists, playing in a band, and becoming a notable figure in the creative community. His time in New st-9111 York, especially during the post-9/11 era, exposed him to uncertainties that subtly shaped his worldview and his body of work. Despite the cultural shift, his Filipino roots and the mentorship of legendary conceptual artist Roberto Chabet remained central to his practice. Chabet, a pioneering figure in the Philippine art scene, influenced Concepcion with teachings that broke traditional conventions and emphasized conceptualism.
Concepcion’s large-scale multimedia works soon gained significant attention both locally and internationally. His innovative approach earned him the prestigious 13 Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, cementing his role in contemporary Philippine art. Notably, his ‘Grip of Salvation’ series a set of three large paintings, further established his reputation as a daring and forward-thinking artist. As Concepcion prepares for the Manila Bang Show 2024, his practice continues to evolve, reflecting his ongoing exploration of identity, cultural intersections, and the boundaries of art.
Written by Amiel Gerald Roldan, a curator, critic and art writer for Manila Bang Show 2024 Art Fair.
Additional can be found at Amiel Roldan’s blogspot.