ROBERT LANGENEGGER
SEPTEMBER 22, 2017 - OCTOBER 10, 2017

Archivo 1984 proudly presents “In Loving Memoriam (1991 - 6PM SEPT. 22, 2017)”, Robert Langenegger's first solo exhibition at Archivo 1984. The exhibition will survey several of the artist's most sought-after works from the early nineties until the present day. The opening reception is on 22 September 2017 at 6
 pm. 

Robert Langenegger's recurring themes tackle corporeality, history, religious iconography, urban decay, and carnal desires. These are often depicted in an anarchic backdrop and have introduced humorously deformed characters and perverse behaviours that cannot be unseen. In the realm of Langenegger, there lies an apocalyptic insurgence seen through a heady and maniacal Pasolini-esque looking glass; brutality smoothly operates with humor and irony. Over the years he has created a vast number of confrontational dark comedy, which echo the art historical canon of Goya, the trajectories of American cartoonist Robert Crumb, and the social realist Philip Guston.

Despite all the madness of Langenegger’s recurring themes there is a profound aesthetic balance with decisive contrasts that softens the grotesque. He often paints the macabre with beautiful blue skies, lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, and the softest of fleshy pinks. Much of Langenergger's work has been discussed in line with critiques that tackles the social deviations of Manila. His blunt imagery as a whole unravels our pretenses and challenges our political correctness. The work focuses us to reckon with society's hypocrisies and issues with power, class, materialism, religion, and desire. 

Robert Langenegger (b. 1983)  is a graduate of  the University of the Philippines. An accomplished artist, his work has been exhibited in Manila, Australia, Hongkong, France, and the United States. He was one of the recipients of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 13 Artists Awards in 2012, and was shortlisted for an Ateneo Art Award in 2008. He was also a finalist in the 2008 Sovereign Asian Art Prize. 

Following its opening reception “In Loving Memoriam (1991-6PM SEPT. 22, 2017)” runs until the 10 October 2017 at Archivo 1984 located at 2241, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound 1, Makati City.