Ricky Ambagan Creates Theatrical Worlds Out Of Artifacts And Mementos

Known for his prowess in storytelling as he paints narratives that appeal to his viewers' collective memory, Ricky Ambagan opened a solo exhibition at Salcedo Private View, the gallery and private sale subsidiary of premier auction house Salcedo Auctions, entitled From Here.  The show runs through December 18.

This is the second solo exhibition by the multi-award winning artist at Salcedo Private View, which comes as the artist's response to his earlier sold-out show at Salcedo titled I’m Coming Home.  Ambagan is versed in carefully composed stories, his works not subscribing to any set pattern, instead preferring to deconstruct images from various sources. Lately he assumes the role of a cinematographer in the way that he presents his subjects. Intentionally breaking the rules of perception and perspective. Ambagan's prowess lies in his moments of delight, theatricality on canvas is his central aesthetic.

 Ambagan creates this next edition of his fantastical visual narratives encased by the artist's iconic and astonishingly embellished, luggage-shaped frames. The show features ten rectangular canvas works depicting charmingly detailed scenes that make viewers feel as if they’re looking at snapshots taken from a familiar dream. Artifacts and mementoes from the artist's childhood are painted onto the canvas, the level of detail in each piece as intentional as they are striking. Ambagan brightly celebrates the interior drama of these experiences - unpacking memories with charm and whimsy, his canvases sprawling with critical iconographies from diverse milieus. As a professed avid reader, Ambagan takes not only from his recollections, but also from the books, podcasts, and films that he consumes. 

Ambagan’s choice of displaying his artworks within maleta (luggage) frames gives a new, positive meaning to the idea of carrying personal baggage. He dares his viewers to ask themselves what their own personal baggages may be after confronting them with visualizations of his own personal experiences, eliciting powerful emotions and sparking conversations with his viewers. 

‘From Here’ by Ricky Ambagan is presented by Salcedo Private View and is co-presented by our Exclusive Banking Partner HSBC Premier. For inquiries, email info@salcedoauctions.com or phone +632 8 8230956 | +63 9171075581. Follow @salcedoauctions on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.