Bert Monterona
Artist Statement

This body of work illustrates my continuing struggle to explain the thoughts and feelings that have directed my life for a long time.  My vision is grounded on the principles of social, political and ecological justice.  I am an activist and a person with a deep concern for the social and environmental issues that affect the lives of humans, animals and all living things.  My concern is with the planet where I live and the future for all humanity.

I belong to the school of Social Realism, an art style which allows me to explore social issues and promote awareness of the political events that shape people’s lives. I record events from a personal perspective; the contentious subject matter ignites my creative impulses.

This exhibition showcases works thematically linked to the concept of “struggle” in connection to the earth (ecological concerns, migration patterns, global warming) and to patterns of interpersonal division, as experienced in the ideas of family separation and divorce. In opposition to these challenges, I am in pursuit of peace, at both global and local levels.

Some works showcased in this exhibit mark the transition I have recently made by moving to beautiful British Columbia from my homeland in the Philippines. The subject matter is inspired by my explorations of the natural environment through hiking, camping, fishing and boating on the West Coast of British Columbia. My imagery fuses local inspiration (sea storms and salmon) with decorative motifs from my homeland.