Manuel Ocampo, a fear of a kitsch existence (book)

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Manuel Ocampo, a fear of a kitsch existence (book) by Menene Gras Balaguer and Valérie Aébi-Sarrazy. 2018. 405 pages. New, softcover. Somogy art editions.

This book on Manuel Ocampo (Manila, 1965), entitled “Fear of a Kitsch Existence” (1989-2017), traces more than three decades of the artist’s career, from the late 1980s to the present day. “Fear of a Kitsch Existence” is an expression he uses to describe how he believes his work should be read or considered, although he leaves it open-ended, in no way intending to guide its perception or interpretation.

This phrase sums up what he feels and seeks to avoid, even though this is not the first time he has expressed it. As is often the case with this type of proposition inscribed in his paintings, we are reminded of the importance of all the verbal signs that accompany the image, like symptoms of what he wishes to communicate.

Bringing together Ocampo’s work in this publication was made possible thanks to the collaboration and dedication of the artist. You will find approximately three hundred images of his works, from the beginning of his career to the present day. Published in 2017, some of which were rescued before being lost, and others as key representations of a postcolonial discourse that is clearly evident throughout his work.

Menene Gras Balaguer is a philosopher and art critic. He holds a PhD in Philosophy and Letters from the University of Barcelona and is the Director of Exhibitions at Casa Àsia. He has translated various works and published numerous articles in specialized journals.

If you prefer to pay in euros, =before= you start ordering, you must click on the word “Français” in orange, under the main photo above, which will redirect you to the same description in French and payment in Euros.