September 1-30 2012
Vulcan ArtBox’s art infusion for September gives Waterford a glimpse of Norberto Roldan’s schematic universe where objects, text and fragments are juxtaposed deliberately.
In the artist statement that follows, Roldan shows that in his tightly knit acquired objects there runs a strong line of social observation….
What do we make of unfamiliar objects and images we accidentally stumble upon? What memories do they bring? What impressions do they make? What time in history does an object or image transport us to? Or do they necessarily suggest a specific period, time or moment? Or would we rather locate them in our own time, provide our own context or construct our own narrative?
… My works are referenced on the notion that objects and images have an inherent life of their own and are not predisposed to merely become waste in the dustbin of history. …they can convey a different reality and can set a time frame particular to a person’s fancy. Found objects and found images acquire validity precisely by beingfound, re-constructed, re-framed and assimilated into a context relevant to the present. Aware of their contemporary intrinsic value and historical materiality, isn’t it coherent and consistent that these objects and images indicate that perhaps history does not reside in the past alone?
–Norberto Roldan, “The Beauty of History is that it does not reside in one place”, November 2010, Singapore
Norberto Roldan lives and works in Manila. He is currently artistic director of Green Papaya Art Projects-one of the most hignly regarded alternative art spaces in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2010, Green Papaya Art Projects was invited to show in the Tate Modern’s “No Soul for Sale” a festival of alternative spaces.
Roldan has represented the Philippines in various international exhibitions in Asia-Pacific, Europe and the USA.
He has also been representing the country in international symposia on independent curatorial practice, alternative/independent art spaces, global art exchanges, residencies and artist mobility. His works are in the collection of Japan’s Fukuoka Art museum, Singapore Art Museum, Deutsche Bank Art Collection and numerous private collections in Southeast Asia, Australia, USA and Europe.
Vulcan ArtBox is located on the exterior wall of the Grubb Art Supplies building (facing Vulcan Street) .