Alejandro Monge ⤬ TING TING ART SPACE
As we approach「I.S.1,」, we're taken aback to see the back of the raw stone slowly unmasking an exquisitely three-dimensional face. With every step we take, the angles shift, making the face appear to move in tandem. Such revelation evokes ripples of imagination and reflection in the observer, spreading unceasingly like the ripples on the surface of water. Hailing from Spain, artist Alejandro Monge masterfully employs optical illusion techniques, a skill that mirrors his prowess in surrealistic painting. He seeks to beguile the eyes of the beholder, pushing beyond the confines of a two-dimensional canvas. Now, his passion lies even more profoundly in the world of sculpture and installation.
"If everything an artist thinks and feels dyes all his work, for me art is a way of projecting your personal way of seeing the world." says Monge. Some of Mon - ge's works possess an intuitive quality. His lifelike series of sculpted banknotes are recreated using paper and acrylic paint. They are meticulously stacked and then set ablaze, embodying a strong sense of satire that inherently critiques reality. The burned banknote sculptures have even transformed into a deluge of fake news images, and while the unintended whimsical progression occurred, the absurdity of the world has imparted greater significance to the artwork.
When discussing the origins of his interest in art, Monge reveals that his incli - nation began during his childhood. His parents noticed his distinctiveness from an early age; while most kids played with balls, he was crafting sculptures from cardboard boxes. His natural affinity for art persisted throughout his life. How - ever, the turning point that solidified his determination to embark on the path of artistic creation was when he saw his own artwork displayed in a museum at the age of 21. Fast forward to recent times, the Masaveu Cultural Foundation in Spain brought forth good news – they acquired two of Monge's finest sculp - tures for the collection of a museum in Madrid. As he and his family beheld his creations displayed alongside artists spanning centuries like Goya, Sorolla, Velázquez, and Jaume Plensa, his mother told him, "Son, you are already there," leaving him with an indescribable sensation that lingers in his heart.
Sculpture is inherently complex, offering limitless possibilities. Monge doesn't constrain himself to conventional materials; he even innovates his own, driven by an unyielding curiosity to explore the unknown. "An artist always has to take risks and put all his passion into what he does," he asserts. Influenced by the diverse happenings of the contemporary world, he continually aims to capture the essence of today's society in his works. Intrigued by the transcendental nature of humanity, his ultimate goal is to reflect the world through the eyes of his generation in his art.
"Monge's collection ref lects the various nuances of contemporary society. We hold the conviction that art should evolve in tandem with the unfolding eras," remarks curator Sphinx Ting. He astutely appreciates the depth of commitment and spirit manifested in each of Monge's pieces. The team's first encounter with Monge took place in Barcelona, Spain, three years prior, and they've been attentively tracking his artistic journey ever since. This year heralds the com - mencement of their official collaboration, with both parties set to pioneer new horizons in Asian art. Monge's sculptures boast a pronounced and identifiable aesthetic, mirroring the contemplative ethos of modern artistry. Every new piece represents a renewed challenge, seemingly growing more intricate with each endeavor. For Monge, these challenges serve as his daily motivation, drawing him to his studio with a thirst for discovery. He remains acutely aware, delving into the profound essence of his sculptures—something perpetually intangible, verging on the illusory. His unwavering dedication and resolve persist, right up until the exhibition's inaugural moments. This undeterred approach to artistic expression harmonizes seamlessly with the ethos upheld by TING TING ART SPACE, a platform that ceaselessly innovates amidst international art gatherings and curatorial endeavors, aspiring to establish a distinctive voice and visage in Asia's burgeoning art milieu.
Monge contends that every space speaks its own language. While museums grant an artist freedom, galleries offer a more personalized backdrop, and art fairs are all about pure emotion for him. Despite the immense pressure and the f leeting nature of it all, he remains deeply passionate about participating in art fairs. Collaborating with TING TING ART SPACE, he is making his debut Asian tour at three of the region's most significant art fairs: KIAF in Seoul, the ART TAIPEI 2023, and the WEST BUND in Shanghai. Monge expresses that throughout the process, he's consistently felt the vitality of TING TING ART SPACE and TIN TIN STUDIO curatorial team. They put forth their utmost efforts to promote art and display the drive to become one of the significant galleries in the art world. The impetus behind most creators is often a torrent of inspiration. Curator Sphinx Ting posits that the interplay between Eastern and Western cultures provides artists with fresh perspectives and paradigms. For Monge, these international art fairs herald yet another chapter in his ongoing voyage of self-discovery.
