Dogfight
SUN PEI-MAO, YANG LEE, HSIEH MU-CHI, JHONG JIANG-ZE group exhibition
26 Auguest - 21 October 2023
By Yang Lee(Artist&curator)
In this art exhibition, the unique individuality of artists is revealed through the styles of their paintings. Each artwork can be seen as a fragment that contributes to the artist's lifelong artistic journey. Through the interconnectedness of these fragments, viewers can perceive the threads of style that weave together the artist's personality, characteristics, and soul. But how do the artists themselves perceive this phenomenon? This exhibition aims to answer this question through an intriguing painting experiment conducted by a group of artists.
The primary factors contributing to an artist's style are explored within their artworks. Is it the choice of subjects that dictates their style or the techniques they employ? By manipulating external variables, we aim to observe how the participating artists react, providing an opportunity to delve into the essence of their unique styles. For this experimental endeavor, we have invited four distinctive artists in Taiwan: HSIEH MU-CHI, JHONG JIANG-ZE, SUN PEI-MAO, and YANG LEE, to participate.
Before the experiment, each artist writes down on paper the subjects they typically depict in their artworks and the adjectives that best describe their artistic style. These slips are then categorized into two groups: adjectives (adj) and nouns (n), and placed into separate containers. Subsequently, each artist will draw two sets of adjectives combined with nouns, resulting in a harmonious fusion of themes entirely unfamiliar to all artists present. This creative amalgamation allows us to discern the elements that fluctuate and those that remain constant when artists explore new subjects and modes of expression.
The most captivating aspect of this experiment lies in providing a space for artists to showcase their artistic development. The styles perceived by the audience are not merely symbols of the artists themselves but can sometimes become creative burdens. Market influences or the inherent expectations of viewers may lead artists to conceal their ongoing experimentation or aspects of their work that have yet to mature fully. However, the ultimate purpose of this painting experiment extends beyond the mere exhibition of artworks. It aspires to exhibit the process of artistic evolution before the audience, inviting everyone to witness an enthralling experiment in artistic creation. After all, the most profound inspirations often arise from the liberating realm of unbridled play, transcending the constraints of identity.
As visitors traverse through this artistic labyrinth, they will be exposed to the inner workings of an artist's mind, witnessing the transformation and growth that occurs through experimentation. The journey will be a testament to the power of embracing uncertainty and breaking free from creative constraints. The artwork displayed will be a testament to the artist's ability to evolve, adapt, and explore new dimensions of creativity, inspiring audiences to view art not as a static entity but as a dynamic force that evolves with the artist's journey of self-discovery.