A Chinese-born artist will be exploring the notion of people’s own perceptions of their identity — and the various ways they create and destroy it — at an art exhibit at a Singapore gallery. The title of the show, which is the name for perhaps the most-used room of a house, suggests that the artist is inviting people in to try to make sense of the living space — which includes the physical space that we occupy as well as the bubble of identity we make around us.
In one of the paintings that will be on display during the show, a group of white figures stands against the wall of a room painted completely in black — walls and floor. The white figures are featureless, their arms only discernible from the rest of the shape of their bodies with rudimentary shading and shadows. What is apparent is the disconcerting notion that all of the figures are facing toward the viewers — even without the viewer being able to pick out any facial expressions or even parts. It is up to the viewer to decide whether this group is menacing or curious, projecting whatever thoughts and feelings they have onto the painting.
In another painting, a pair of figures again faces out toward the viewer. They appear to be holding hands and wearing skirts, but not much more is easily apparent about their identities. Their figures themselves only barely stand out, gray figures on a gray background. The figure on the left holds a ball, and perhaps they are simply children looking for a playmate or a fun game to past the time. From the title, it becomes apparent that the two figures are twins.
Another painting featuring twins is a little more ominous. Again, faceless girls look toward the viewer, gray figures on a gray background. However, the distinction between the figures and the background is much more apparent, now, as if they are coming into focus — or coming closer, out of the fog, toward the viewer. Now, both twins hold a ball, but it looks like it is less for play and more for foretelling. Indeed, with long, gray robes dragging on the gray floor, and dark, shadowed faces, it seems like these twins have something to show the viewer.
Still another painting purports to show a figure with a halo, but the shapes are so deconstructed that they appear abstract. The figure could be a gourd or a slightly rounded cylinder, the halo a simple circle highlighting the area where the face should be. Again, there are no features and expressions — though the viewer does have the odd sense that the figure is looking down at them.
Express your own message to the world by enrolling in an art class today. Visit SGArtClass.com to see just how simple it is to sign up for an art class that you’re passionate about.
See a sneak peek of the exhibit by visiting http://sea.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/3069519/lin-shan-living-room-at-shanghart-singapore.