Young & Top - Apollo Art Gallery Emerging Artists Development Program
LIEN Chia-Hsin&TSAI Wei-Chieh

Duration |
2024.06.22-07.20
Opening |
2024.06.22 Sat. 15:00

Mutual reflection

Young&Top Project (11) With the exhibition theme "Mutual reflection," we invite two artists, both in their late twenties, to showcase works created between the ages of 25 and 29 (2019-2024). This exhibition explores how contradictory emotions and immediate experiences of the environment can be expressed through artistic creation, aiming to rekindle passion for life and rediscover self-worth.

The serene quietness of the seemingly deserted night conceals layers of indescribable emotions for Lien Chia-Hsin. The islands depicted in the "Blue Night" series metaphorically represent Taiwan's current situation in the world, with the faintly swaying trees indicating the unstable factors hidden in the tranquil darkness. The islands surrounded by thick clouds and lightning symbolize the crisis amidst the international political struggle. In contrast across the sea, the roads in the foreground do not lead to a dangerous distance, but rather offer a perspective of escaping from perilous situations, emphasizing the position of the observer from the outside world. In the midst of the crisis of international politics, Taiwan seems like the distant island eroded by natural forces in the artwork, while Taiwanese people resemble distant spectators, experiencing internal conflicts and facing the reality that is difficult to change without intervening in the fundamental issues, seemingly becoming part of the collective spectatorship ideology.

At first glance, it seems like a series of diary entries over time, without any focal point. However, it subtly reveals a background melody full of life's nuances. For Tsai Wei-Chieh, the feelings of "anxiety, unhappiness, and confinement" are the initial emotions evoked by his works from these years. As a young person newly arrived in an unfamiliar city, confronting the unchangeable social and educational systems, along with the nationwide Level 3 alert, he created this batch of works under a cloud of loathing. The images of windows bricked up, closed curtains, and oppressive city gates instinctively guide the viewer to anxiety-laden imagery. Yet, looking back at his paintings now, he is surprised at how candidly he was able to interpret his state of mind at that time! Perhaps "freedom" has always been the value he pursued. And the way to hit the target accurately without leaving any regrets is through "creation."

The "Young&Top - Apollo Art Gallery Emerging Artists Support Program" has entered its 11th year. Its main purpose is to promote young Taiwanese artists who have potential and uniqueness, fostering diverse creative development and encouraging the spirit of artistic originality. By inviting artists to exhibit, the program provides a platform for creators to showcase their work while assisting them in entering the art market.

▌Artists' CV
→ LIAN Chia-Shin
→ TSAI Wei-Chieh

▌ VOH Interview
https://reurl.cc/VzgW7R