To be inspired is to be filled with emotion, rooted in an exalted influence borne from possibly anything and everything around us.  Whether it’s a solitary man who passed us by along the street, a character we read in a comic book or someone --- or something --- we encountered in the deepest of slumber, it is these and more that establish interrelatedness to all beings on all levels of existence.

In his virtual exhibit “Journey”, artist Carlo Ongchangco   conveys meaning in every possibility that has touched our lives and uplifts us with his dream-like style.  His whimsical depictions bring a smile to our face and make our heart sing.   For the artist, “Journey” is a direct translation of the ties, the bonds, the connections we form --- from the seemingly mundane and to the profound depths beyond imagination.

In “Eccentric Good Heart”, the artist commemorates Roald Dahl’s quirky chocolate factory owner, Willy Wonka.  The essence of his work transports us back to our sugar-covered childhood past, days of innocence and relates to every child within us.   Celebrating a world champion through a caricature in “Pacman Power”, Ongchangco immortalizes the undisputed pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao  and how his triumph has instilled a profound sense of national pride among his countrymen.

His works are simply his own vision of the world, of his life, and possibly even ours.

By merely absorbing his art and sharing in his expression, we see a reminder of happiness, a mirror of our own fantasy or simply a window to this artist’s beliefs and personal introspection.

GJ Asian Art presents the online exhibit “Journey”, Philippine artist Carlo Ongchangco’s  first solo show for Singapore .  “Journey” simultaneously breaks ground with Virtual Space, the online gallery launched by GJ Asian Art.