Fred Galang

Stegab

Artist Statement
The emerging dialogue from the juxtaposition of relatively disparate elements from popular iconography (both historical and contemporary) is central to my work. The concepts involved in each artwork were usually formed from a wide array of sources ranging from military textbooks, art history, to ethnographic journals and how-to-do manuals. Often painted on non-conventional grounds, the subject matter often examines the elements of extrapolation and appropriation as a means to understand our sources of socio-cultural nourishment. More importantly, my paintings and drawings simultaneously delve into the realm of the “popular,” to explore its underlying disposition towards anything unique, sensitive, and sincere.

Although the work reflects my fascination with the ubiquitous characteristics of popular imagery, I am not interested in focusing nor criticizing its “mass appeal”. Instead, I use the aforementioned processes to re-examine its significance as a
conditioning element within our contemporary social milieu.

Artist Biography

Born and raised in the Philippines, Fred immigrated to Canada in 1988. Growing up in Manila, Fred was constantly exposed to elements of popular western culture – from movies, food and of course, video games and cartoons. Ironically, it was his fascination with American Pop that made him discover art at such a young age. This experience has certainly impacted many of his personal artwork.

Fred studied Visual Arts at York University and pursued a degree in education concurrently. As an artist, Fred has shown his work in Toronto as well as in Chicago. He is currently on hiatus as a member of the Philippine Artist Group but continues to exhibit his work whenever possible.

He has been teaching for 12 years and is currently a Graphic Design and Media Arts teacher at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in Thornhill. He is married with a 6 year-old daughter and currently lives and works in Richmond Hill.