Jun Cambel’s artistic practice is a profound meditation on the intricate relationship between human experience and environmental transformation. Emerging from Manila’s dynamic urban landscape, Cambel transforms industrial materials into powerful visual narratives that challenge our perception of everyday objects and ecological interconnectedness.
His multilayered canvases are more than aesthetic compositions; they are intricate dialogues between materiality and memory. By strategically employing textured surfaces and incorporating found objects, Cambel deconstructs familiar scenes, rendering them as potent metaphors for our complex environmental reality. Each artwork becomes a nuanced exploration of temporal shifts—capturing past memories, present conditions, and potential future scenarios.
Rooted in a professional background spanning graphic design and visual communications, Cambel brings a calculated yet deeply intuitive approach to his creative process. His works do not preach but instead invite contemplative engagement, encouraging viewers to reconsider their relationship with the surrounding environment.
Jun is a creative professional, worked for several glossy magazines, Hong Kong Tatler,
Review Asia, and other publications as Art Director 1993 to 2010. He taught Graphic Design and Visual Arts Communication at the Caritas College of Careers in 2010-11. He joined South China Morning Post from 2011-2017 as Production and Design Editor. Currently Design Manager of G.O.D. HK (Goods of Desire) and runninng his own design outfit, Artelier Design Studio as Creative Director.
Pandemic Itch: Art Amidst Uncertainty
Pandemic Itch emerged during the tumultuous year of 2020, a time when the world grappled with uncertainty and isolation. Known for my large-scale works, I found solace in creating small pieces, driven by a desire to stay productive amidst the chaos. The constraints of mobility became a catalyst for introspection, pushing me to explore intricate and meticulous techniques.
This series reflects my complex emotions—longing for family while finding joy in the creative process. Each piece is inspired by my occasional strolls through the city, capturing fleeting moments that resonated deeply during those challenging times.
In navigating the tension between absence and presence, I discovered a renewed sense of hope. Pandemic Itch is not just a reflection of a difficult period; it is an affirmation of resilience and the beauty found in the smallest details, reminding us that creativity can flourish even in the darkest of times.
The artwork (“Pandemic Itch”) below is currently on display at the “Unity in Diversity: Filipino Artists Across Borders” exhibition at Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, February 26, 2025 through March 3, 2025.
Sham Shui Po Huddle #2
Digital Imaging on PVC Board, embedded with epoxy resin (assemblage)
17×13 inches (framed)
2020
Yaumati Huddle #3
Digital Imaging on PVC Board, embedded with epoxy resin (assemblage)
17×13 inches (framed)
2020
Urban Geometrics
Digital Imaging on PVC Board, partially embedded with epoxy resin (assemblage)
17×13 inches (framed)
2022
Shek Tong Tsoi Worm’s Eye View
Digital Imaging on PVC Board, partially embedded with epoxy resin (assemblage)
17×13 inches (framed)
2022
