05.04 Sat.
Gallery exhibition opening & Taipei Dangdai preview

Melodic May: A Quintet in May

In the balmy May of early summer 2024, Taipei Dangdai, arrived punctually, heralding a classic artistic spectacle presented by CHINI Gallery - the "Quintet: HO Kan, LEE Kuang-Yu, Suling WANG, CHOU Ching-Hui, and Daniel PULMAN." This precious exhibition showcased works spanning diverse fields such as painting, sculpture, and photography. Each of the five artists boasts a unique and dazzling creative style, reminiscent of the harmonious fusion of voices, profound emotions, and exquisite skills found in musical compositions. Their artworks, akin to the alternating melodies of various instruments, collectively resonate to compose a rich and colorful symphony of art.

CHOU Ching-Hui unveiled a meticulously crafted four-year-long photographic project entitled "A Promised Land: The Planet of Angels." Through a distinct perspective, he directed attention towards the unique life narratives of children with disabilities and their families, prompting contemplation on the societal barriers between " normality " and "abnormality." His works evoke the gentle yet profound resonance of a cello, with each stroke of the bow stirring echoes of empathy within observers.

Suling WANG continued her distinct series of large-scale abstract oil paintings titled "Mountain Language," intricately weaving her personal encounters with hometown culture, fluidity, and a sense of temporal and spatial dimensions within the multi-layered tapestry of her canvases. The blending lines and textures on her canvases resemble the intertwining harmonies of violas in an ensemble, guiding spectators through an immersive journey from Taichung's Qing Shui to London, and from Taiwan's Dajia River to the Thames.

British artist Daniel PULMAN presented new works inspired by his recent travels to Northeast China. Depicting the interactions between humans and animals in urban or captive environments on large canvases, he hinted at themes of separation, confinement, and the barriers constructed between wilderness and civilization or natural and urban life. These contrasts and conflicts, akin to the minor key structures of violins, are filled with inherent dramatic tension and emotional expression, bringing forth a compelling sense of power and confrontation.

HO Kan, the 92-year-old pioneer of Chinese geometric abstract art, unveiled a new series of works in 2024 that resonate like the lively melodies of violins. Upholding his unique creative principles of "unbridled imagination, creation from nothing, inexplicable mysteries, and inexpressible wonders," he injected his imagination and creativity into each artwork, presenting deceptively simple yet incredibly complex compositions imbued with childlike wonder and humor.

LEE Kuang-Yu showcased a series of breathtaking works, demonstrating his mastery of craftsmanship and profound understanding of life. At the Taipei Contemporary venue, his large-scale bronze sculptures depicted the elegant gestures of women putting on shoes while seated, evoking the graceful and fluid movements reminiscent of a piano sonata. Meanwhile, at the Cai Ni Gallery, Li presented his new works for 2024, breaking away from conventional techniques and engaging viewers in a contemporary and philosophical dialogue through his unique coloring methods and guiding perforations.

As visitors meandered through the exhibition space, the musical notes of the quintet floated on the gentle breeze of early summer. In this harmonious finale, the artworks of the five artists gazed at each other, resonating with each other's creative spirits, and together, they gracefully concluded the performance with a soft cadence. As the curtains slowly fell, the lingering echoes of the quintet's melodies remained in the hearts of the audience, leaving them with a sweet sensation akin to enjoying a delicious treat.