LEE CHIHSIANG

The exhibition will open with an introduction to the influence of Italian artist Lucio Fontana, featuring three key works: Lee’s reproduction of Fontana’s “Concetto Spaziale” titled “Tutto,” a torn piece from Lee’s representative stained glass work “A moment,” and a painting signed by Lee ChiHsiang on its reverse side titled “Plane.” Fontana’s works are renowned for their breakthroughs in traditional canvas, with techniques of slashing and puncturing symbolizing the rupture of surfaces and suggesting a passage to another dimension. This mode of expression stands in stark contrast to Lee’s realism, which focuses on the concept of penetration, exploring depth and space beyond the canvas through the depiction of the interaction between visual elements and mediums. The juxtaposition of these three works reflects the artist’s contemplation and experimentation, offering viewers a rich layer of interpretation.

Subsequently, Lee ChiHsiang will present a work titled “Borrow,” reminiscent of a lunar arrival, evoking the scientific advancements of Fontana’s era, particularly the rise of space exploration. The mid-20th century’s significant interest in outer space is embodied in Fontana’s works, with the moon as a prominent celestial body symbolizing the exploration of the unknown. The spatial explorations of both artists can be metaphorically linked to the vastness of the universe, with the moon’s surface and its reflection of light resonating with Fontana’s and Lee’s interests in how light interacts with their artworks, further enhancing the perception of space.

The moon, as a symbol of mystery and the sublime, aligns with the artists’ desire to inspire contemplation of existence. The emergence of photography in the 19th century made more accurate representations of the moon possible, with photographers like Ansel Adams capturing its magnificent images, merging art and science. The invention of the telescope in the early 17th century revolutionized the study of the moon and celestial bodies, with Galileo Galilei making significant astronomical discoveries and creating detailed drawings of the moon’s surface, influencing its depiction in art. The 20th century witnessed major advancements in space exploration, including the Apollo missions, whose collected images and data inspired contemporary artists to explore space, technology, and humanity’s relationship with the universe.

However, what musings does moonlight evoke? In exploring the subtle changes of light and space, the imagery of “The white jade steps illuminated by the moon” (Li Bai’s “Night Mooring by Maple Bridge”) prompts us to reflect on the moonlight’s reflection on white jade steps. In this exhibition, “White Unveiled” not only represents the present but also symbolizes the canvas itself, suggesting the process of applying white paint onto the canvas. Facing the flat surface of the canvas, applying white is akin to white light emanating from the image, while painting on the canvas creates depth and space. Thus, “White Unveiled” becomes a pun on the state of artistic creation, showcasing the multiple dimensions of artistic practice.

Overall, Lee’s paintings resemble a “Cabinet of Curiosities”—a period marked by significant advancements in astronomy and cosmic exploration, during which art underwent transformation. Just as Lee’s cabinet embodies a continuous exploration of visual science, it also incorporates important works and texts from art history, including Duchamp’s “Fountain.” As a steadfast realist, Lee ChiHsiang may also imply a sense of solitude, akin to Caspar David Friedrich’s use of the moon to evoke feelings of loneliness and introspection, even concealing other great artworks behind stained glass in his pieces, ultimately making a decisive cut.

Lee ChiHsiang (b. 1983, Taiwan) currently works and lives in Taipei. Recent significant solo exhibitions include: “Lee ChiHsiang: Lingering Focus,” Each Modern (2021), “Blue and White,” A Gallery (2020), “Second Sound,” MUMU Gallery (2019), and ” Have Been Here Before,” MUMU Gallery (2016). Important group exhibitions include: ” Lost in the Latency,” MUMU Gallery (2021), ” IN BALANCE: Taiwan — Sicily,” G. Gallery (2018), “Fruits, Flowers, Objects, and Others,” Double Square Gallery (2018), and ” An Ode to Thirty,” Eslite Gallery (2017).