About the exhibition:
Lost in Paradise is artist Jeho Bitancor's continuing investigation in painting of the social landscape of the USA, relating to personal migrant experiences, observations and insights gathered since he moved to Jersey City, close to New York. Jeho's new 'style' of layering objects upon scenes presents a breathtaking panoply of images paraded before us in rapid succession and full complexity, as befits the bewildering pace of life in Manhattan - the American experience through the eyes of a critical Filipino.
Artist’s Statement:
In October of 2008, I moved from Tennessee to finally face the challenge of living and working in New York, considered to be the center of artistic and intellectual activities in America. It seemed for me to offer a chance to grow and participate in its dynamic art scene. A handful of Filipino artists practice here amidst the "best" in the world so they say, and I consider it a great opportunity to represent my country through my work.
Alas, my enthusiasm was met with sour grapes amongst first acquaintances, artists who seemed to have lost their spirit and developed a certain philosophy to cover-up their frustrations. "It is the greatest battle of your life!" as one remarked. Yet the struggle goes on even if the harsh economic conditions have forced many to occupy cramped and claustrophobic spaces. I myself decided to live in a basement apartment in Jersey City, a 20 minute ride to NYC as I cannot afford Manhattan. There, I worked in a spare space just 5x7 ft. in floor area while enduring the agony of winter. Here is where all the pieces were conceived but most were executed in a decent space as I have again moved farther into the suburbs of North Jersey just recently. There is now more breathing space but the eight months in the basement during the winter, tied up with household chores and child-rearing while trying to break into the art scene had been painful but fruitful and nourishing to the spirit.
I was able to perform in a reputable space intended for performance art and have joined two group shows, one having been selected as the only Filipino among Asian and Asian-American artists across America. Not much of an accomplishment really, but small steps while I continue to explore and observe the country through my works.
About the artist:
Jeho Bitancor is a Cultural Centre of the Philippines Thirteen Artists Awardee of 2006, who has exhibited extensively in the Philippines, Singapore, USA, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Trained in the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (1984-1992), and the New York City Art Student’s League (1997), Jeho has won several awards and distinctions, and is collected by the Singapore Art Museum, Ateneo Art Gallery, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Aurora Provincial Government, Museo de Baler, as well as several private collectors.
Lost in Paradise is artist Jeho Bitancor's continuing investigation in painting of the social landscape of the USA, relating to personal migrant experiences, observations and insights gathered since he moved to Jersey City, close to New York. Jeho's new 'style' of layering objects upon scenes presents a breathtaking panoply of images paraded before us in rapid succession and full complexity, as befits the bewildering pace of life in Manhattan - the American experience through the eyes of a critical Filipino.
Artist’s Statement:
In October of 2008, I moved from Tennessee to finally face the challenge of living and working in New York, considered to be the center of artistic and intellectual activities in America. It seemed for me to offer a chance to grow and participate in its dynamic art scene. A handful of Filipino artists practice here amidst the "best" in the world so they say, and I consider it a great opportunity to represent my country through my work.
Alas, my enthusiasm was met with sour grapes amongst first acquaintances, artists who seemed to have lost their spirit and developed a certain philosophy to cover-up their frustrations. "It is the greatest battle of your life!" as one remarked. Yet the struggle goes on even if the harsh economic conditions have forced many to occupy cramped and claustrophobic spaces. I myself decided to live in a basement apartment in Jersey City, a 20 minute ride to NYC as I cannot afford Manhattan. There, I worked in a spare space just 5x7 ft. in floor area while enduring the agony of winter. Here is where all the pieces were conceived but most were executed in a decent space as I have again moved farther into the suburbs of North Jersey just recently. There is now more breathing space but the eight months in the basement during the winter, tied up with household chores and child-rearing while trying to break into the art scene had been painful but fruitful and nourishing to the spirit.
I was able to perform in a reputable space intended for performance art and have joined two group shows, one having been selected as the only Filipino among Asian and Asian-American artists across America. Not much of an accomplishment really, but small steps while I continue to explore and observe the country through my works.
About the artist:
Jeho Bitancor is a Cultural Centre of the Philippines Thirteen Artists Awardee of 2006, who has exhibited extensively in the Philippines, Singapore, USA, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. Trained in the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts (1984-1992), and the New York City Art Student’s League (1997), Jeho has won several awards and distinctions, and is collected by the Singapore Art Museum, Ateneo Art Gallery, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Aurora Provincial Government, Museo de Baler, as well as several private collectors.
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