Altro Mondo Creative Space

1159 Chino Roces Ave, Makati, 1203 Metro Manila

EXHIBITION STATEMENT:

“Soft-Core War”: A Contemporary Exploration of Conflict and Transformation
Ernest Concepcion, renowned for his captivating imagery of conflict and the apocalypse in “The Line Wars” series spanning over two decades, now takes up arms in his inaugural solo exhibition. At Altro Mondo Gallery, Concepcion invites us into a thought-provoking realm where past and present collide.

Drawing inspiration from vintage Philippine propaganda posters and century-old tourism advertisements, Concepcion masterfully reimagines these historical visuals. Traditional pastels are meticulously applied to linen, breathing new life into archaic images. Observe the figures in “Secret Vapor” and “You’re A Junkie For Life,” once campaign posters urging voters to choose wisely. Now, they beckon us to unwind, their party attire signaling a timely reminder.

Yet, it’s the subtle metamorphosis of “Perfect Daze” that intrigues. Concepcion subtly introduces an element of stealthy invasion against a serene beach backdrop. And in “Vacation City,” a post-apocalyptic Manila emerges—a city resilient after a recent deluge. These paintings, born from tourism posters meant to welcome global visitors, now question our safety.

Concepcion’s fascination with ubiquitous tarpaulin material—used both for giant billboard ads promoting capitalism and as protest posters for overthrowing tyranny—takes center stage. He employs this material as the canvas for his giant parodies, featuring abstracted text and shapes that convey new meanings or lack thereof. His innovative mark-making technique using LED lights pays homage to Manila’s neon dystopia.

And finally, “Chimera,” Concepcion’s epic 15-foot-long painting, urges viewers to engage in the battle. The work incorporates various vinyl stickers of his drawings, blending fresh imagery with elements from the classic Line Wars. It’s a celebration of his childhood sticker books and his hybrid series, “Battlefield Landscapes.” Like modern-day vandals, everyone is invited to randomly select drawings and contribute to the composition, breathing new life into this apocalyptic landscape.

“The Soft-Core War” confronts us: Are we prepared to wage a cultural battle for substance, or do we merely linger as modernity consumes us? Concepcion’s brush strokes echo this dilemma, inviting viewers to reflect on our collective journey

STATEMENT ABOUT THE TARPAULIN PAINTINGS:

Ernest Concepcion, an artist drawing profound inspiration from vintage Philippine propaganda posters and century-old tourism ads, masterfully reimagines these historical visuals with a contemporary edge. In his latest work, Concepcion harnesses the ubiquitous tarpaulin—a material synonymous with both giant billboard ads promoting capitalism and protest posters challenging tyranny—as his canvas. These monumental parodies, adorned with abstract text and shapes, offer layers of new meanings—or intriguing voids thereof. His pioneering mark-making technique using LED lights is a tribute to the vibrant yet dystopian neon landscape of Manila. This innovative approach not only redefines the visual narrative but also resonates with the pulsating rhythm of modern urban life.

PASTEL PAINTING DETAILS: