Jun Cambel Hong Kong Based Filipino Contemporary Artist

Mixed media art is frequently used to express political views or social statements but for contemporary artist Jun Cambel, he views art as a tool to raise people’s environmental awareness—as global climate change becomes more serious, Jun thinks that he has an obligation to express his views on the issue of environmental protection.

He prefers to use different media in the creation of his work which often allows for great versatility and a richer viewer experience as the eye uncovers the multiple layers that often characterize mixed media art. Through his art, he lifts the veil of familiarity from conventional objects and scenes – a leaf, a crumpled newspaper, an overflowing ashtray – and transmutes them into intoxicating symbols of our age. Far from harboring edifying intentions; however, Jun says he paints because he simply enjoys the art of creation. His works tend to make us ponder about yesterday’s memory, while he also likes to show current events that portray possible future scenarios.

He is currently working as the Production and Design Editor at SCMP Classified Post and the same time, is the Creative Director of his own design studio, ArTELIER Design Studio. He worked in CM Ltd and Edipresse Media for fashion and other lifestyle magazines such as Couture, MenMode and Hong Kong Tatler as Art Director from 1993 to 2007. He also taught Graphic Design and Visual Arts Communication at the Caritas College of Careers HK in 2010-11.

Jun is a product of Fine Arts at Manila’s FEATI University major in Advertising. His professional career is mainly focused on graphic design and advertising; while in May 2005, he decided to participate in the “Contemporary Filipino Artist Exhibition” – a group show at Hong Kong’s City Hall in Central. Inspired by the positive feedback he received about his works, he embarked on his first solo exhibition, “1st Expression,” at Asia Fineart Gallery in November 2005. His most recent group exhibit “Metaphor & Parody” was held at the Baguio Museum.

GHOSTS FROM THE PAST Mixed Media on Wood Panels (Installation) 1.6 x 4 metres 2014

Title: Eenie Meenie Miny Mo–Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 48″ X 48″ Inches–Year: 2009 Exhibited in HK Cultural Centre

Artist Statement:
“Time to change our ways for the betterment of the environment—this is an important decision to make to for future generations. Please note that there are two facial expressions. Left side with blue earth comparing to grey earth with teardrop representing we’re in the eleventh hour, rushing to correct our negligence towards environment.”