Arce
Art Fair Philippines
6 – 15 May 2021
Art Underground
814 Balagtas St., Barangay Addition Hills, 1550 Mandaluyong
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Visual artist Arce uses the elements and structural aesthetics of Corbels to form his oeuvre for “Held”. Corbels, a kind of triangular bracket that holds up protruding pieces against vertical surfaces in furniture and architecture, juxtaposes the artist’s idea for the title and the acronym it represents: Hope Endures Lost Dreams.
Corbels, by definition, are designed to support weight, usually roof beams. Although the artworks are melted symbolizing one’s surrender to defeat, it is also symbolic of how the artist intends to lean on God as support knowing one can surrender to a higher being in times of despair.
The exhibit will be composed of hanging works with a center installation serving as a crossroad, a two-point perspective of the artist’s take on life and the human psyche. Arce’s works for “Held” sits at the juncture of two entirely different explorations. There is the exploration of the idea: challenging notions of decay and growth, destruction to rebuild, breakdown before a breakthrough. And there is the exploration of the manufacturing process, the method of fabrication — the engineering — required to accomplish a functional realization of that idea.
Arce (b. 1980) is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Fine Arts. He was awarded thesis of the year for his book entitled “Pananaw” (for book illustration category). He worked as a Creative Head for a design communication studio. Arce always works with what occupies his present state of mind, it drives him to deal with his myriad of emotions. He looks for different perspectives as he deconstructs, twists, melts, and works beyond time. He listens to his inner force as to when to stop and pause for prayer, that is when he freezes that particular moment through his body of works – and subsequently, inner peace is achieved.
Text by: Grace Ng
