Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

Florencio B. Concepcion was part of a new generation of painters that emerged in the mid-sixties from the progressive post-war period. Concepcion finished his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of the Philippines in 1953. In 1961, he became a scholar of the Italian government and was sent to the Accademia di Belle Arte in Rome for his postgraduate studies, wherein he finished his Master of Fine Arts (Licenziato di Pittura) in 1964.Concepcion exhibited extensively locally and abroad, as well as won local and international awards. From being an opera backdrop artist working under the direction of Prof. Ireneo Miranda in 1951, Concepcion became Dean of the University of the East College of Fine Arts until his retirement in 1994.. Reticent, he was nevertheless a respected academic and art educator, influencing artists such as Augusto Albor, Romulo Galicano, and Lao Lian Ben. This canvas, with its rich, sumptuous handling of paint, shares some formal similarities with the school of Abstract Expressionism, a movement he encountered through Arte Informal, the European equivalent of Abstract Expressionism. This particular movement was characterised by their limited use of color and multifarious textures, with artists such as Mario Sironi, Giorgio Morandi, and Ottone Rosai as representatives. It is perhaps not too much to say that themes surrounding transcendence and reflection are hallmarks of Concepcion’s work. Having adapted the Abstract Expressionist mode, Florencio Concepcion’s art is one of evolution and transformation. From impressionistic scenes at the onset of his career, he has made works that are a result of his feelings and creativity — the energy that radiates from his boldly colored canvas is that of serenity, a reflection of his contentment as an artist. This particular piece entitled Composixione IX captures Concepcion’s artistic practice in the midst of transformation. His color palette is relatively darker than his usual works, giving the piece a more serious tone and atmosphere. The piece also exudes a semblance of form and shape that is reminiscent of his earlier works that were heavily inspired by a much more figurative approach. Thus, what makes this piece both exceptional and alluring is that it gives us a peek into Concepcion’s subconscious creative state as he tries to consolidate his practice into a medium in which he can fully express his ideals.