THE ETERNAL PUPIL OF ART: A PORTRAIT OF FILBERT KUNG
Editorial by Alondra Nicole
World-traveled photographer, Filbert Kung, is returning to Milano for his second volume exhibition. On the twentieth of June, Kung will debut his portfolio exhibition, ‘Chronology of A Mind’, at ‘BI.CI PROGETTI E ARREDAMENTO’ – a design showroom in Milano adorned for its innovative spatial arrangements. On display for purchase will be artful rarities, captured through vistas and zones of time throughout Kung’s travels of the ancient world.
FILBERT KUNG - IN HIS OWN WORDS
GREETINGS FROM BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 2024
ALONDRA: Do the same subjects inspire you from your original vision of expression?
FILBERT: My work has gone through significant transformation over the years, usually reflecting my evolution as a photographer. My approach to my subject has expanded and diversified since I began as a photographer in the Philippines. When I first moved to The United States, I lived in New York to gain more freedom, living solo as a photographer. In NYC, I was learning to turn my feelings into ideas, inspired by my own struggles. Channeling sensitivity helped me a lot with understanding my approach to creating art.
ALONDRA: How do you know when the shot means something?
FILBERT: I am a sensitive person; I connect with certain moments to become unified with them consciously.
ALONDRA: What do you aim to express through your works?
FILBERT: My photographs are displays of deeply running emotions. I search for where the vulnerability of a subject is, then capture moments of raw emotion when I sense it. As a visual artist, I have learned that giving emotions form is a subtle and bold approach to capturing life.
ALONDRA: How long has art been a part of your life? How did you arrive at a career in communicative photography?
FILBERT: I feel that I was born with a love for the arts innately. I have always been drawn to literature and music, but I started my exploration as an artist through sketching and painting. There was a time in my life where I wanted to shift my focus from art to becoming part of a band. I just wanted to sing, and in my mind I would envision myself becoming a rockstar. It was fun to dream, but I woke up one day to many epiphanies about other ways to discover being an experiential artist. My life transformed when I followed my father’s footsteps of becoming a photographer. As a child, photography was a hobby for my father. I had always been inspired by the subject of his photos because every moment had been captured from somewhere distinct across the world.
ALONDRA: Do you have any creative inspirations that inspire you?
FILBERT: Many. I am always fascinated by sacred tribes and ancient cultures around the world. I love to observe the fabrics that different cultures produce. I connect their creations to the vastness of their culture and gain a connection to where I am from the beauty of encountering native people. I hold in my memory the details of how they live their lives, down to the textures of the clothing they wear and the foods they eat. My creativity is ignited by every sacred land I have visited. My portfolio is a labyrinth maze of my vision being shaped by new people and places. Being with nature resets the harmony within me. I gain perspective by listening to layered genres of music, like chords of rock then classical symphonic. I draw immense inspiration from the fine elements of architecture, captivated specifically by the enduring shape and size of a structure. I enjoy the art of cinematography, and I adore fashion culture spanning as far back from the 20’s. In my eyes, fashion is a burning flame that we must approach with a desire to be engulfed by. My family is a driving force that reminds my creative dreams of true love. And in my heart, there is an amazing, multidisciplinary Florentine artist that I grow more inspired from by day. His visions as a dynamic creator come from his mastery of furniture design and refined techniques as an architect.
‘Chronology of A Mind’ bids a very special thanks to:
‘BI.CI. PROGETTI E ARREDAMENTO’
BRUGOLA 1926
MAILBOXES ETC
and ELLA V of Esthemax Philippines
You can explore more about Filbert Kung's work and view his stunning photography portfolio by visiting his official website.
For more articles and insights on art, check out our dedicated section here.