The Intangible and the Invisible: Ji Dachun Solo Exhibition
Date: Nov 2nd to Dec 8th
Press Release
The second solo exhibition of Ji Dachun’s works at AroundSpace Gallery, The Intangible and theInvisible, will open on November 7, 2023, and will feature the artist’s recent works on canvas.
An erudite and skillful draftsman, Dachun used his artistry to probe the depths of his own understanding of art by tirelessly exploring new territories as well as constantly paying homages to some of the most prestigious artists in history. In these recent works, he re-embraced a figurative art tradition and re-introduced a more exuberant color scheme.
The eighteen pieces in this exhibition present a variety of themes and styles the artist has been experimenting in since his last show two years ago. A small and exquisite piece, Google Google features delicate colors and a bird’s eye view landscape that we are used to seeing on our mobile devices. It blends two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces by inserting the typical balloon signs on Google maps, creating a familiar yet unconventional imagery. The Pale Blue Eyes and other works also reveal the artist’s pursuit of colors.
Dachun is never shy of showing his ambition to compete with masters. Torment of Saint Anthony is a monochronic reincarnation of Michelangelo’s eponymy tempera on wood piece, while in Lost (a wordplay, given the Chinese translation of the title has the same pronunciation as German artist Dürer’s name) is a part of the German master’s self-portrait. Both demonstrate Dachun’s superior draftsmanship and technical virtuosity and feature allegorical significance.
Dachun practices figurative art that is not bounded by specific figures; he is proud of but does not show off his skills. He engages profitless activities that enrich a limited life. In an uncertain and unpredictable era like ours, it is those intangible and invisible things in art that are most elusive yet extremely valuable.
