Ace Alamillo is a visual artist from the Philippines. He obtained his degree in Studio Arts from Asia Pacific College School of Multimedia Arts. His range of work includes paintings, collages, assemblages, and found objects which often drew on abstraction using lines and schematics and their association to his everyday life. Alamillo is a collage artist and some of his works are featured by the Scandinavian Collage Museum and Edinburgh Collage Collective. He currently resides in Cavite, Philippines.
Self-taught or art school?
I have a degree in Studio Arts from Asia Pacific College School of Multimedia Arts, but still continue to educate myself through different experimentations.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
That would be any readymades by Marcel Duchamp.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
The DIY culture has paved the way for my interest in the avant-garde, specifically in the Dada culture. In my art practice, I apply these concepts and theories, in being resourceful, using every material available inside the walls of my home as a rejection on spending too much and the fact that utilizing few available materials is a way to challenge your creativity. Most of my works are accompanied by lines and geometric forms and abstraction to assert volume and balance as I’ve also been influenced by Constructivism and Suprematism. Even though I’m creating works that are in a nonsensical or nonobjective way, it is a way of visual storytelling.
Is narrative important within your work?
Most of the time, yes. I’m a voracious reader and I apply what I read on some of my works, bringing a blend of aesthetics and history.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
There are too many to mention but I look up to artists like Ad Reinhardt, Marcel Duchamp, Kazimir Malevich, El Lissitzky, Kurt Schwitters, and others. I’ve always been into the bizarre and unorthodox forms of visual art which can be seen on the works of these artists. It caught my attention and is very influential to me and to my art practice.
What or who inspires your art?
For me, looking at the works of different artists inspires me every day and I always keep in mind that artistry and creativity is a never-ending process. It is a form of studying and gives you the urge to create more.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
-It depends on what kind of work I’m doing. For small works, I use my room or any place comfortable. When doing large scale works or painting, I usually use our garage because it’s a bit comfortable and cool there, unlike in my studio which is a little bit hot for work purposes.
Do you have any studio rituals?
Music is my ritual.
What are you working on currently?
I’m just creating collage works and studies for online open calls for exhibitions.
Where can we buy your art?
You can contact me through my email or hit me a message on Instagram @eysalamilyo