Jeffrey Chong Wang & Yu Ji | Sept 6-27, 2024
Sacred Mountain of Peking | Gallery House
Opening Friday, September 6 from 5-7 pm Meet the Artists!
RSVP via info@galleryhouse.ca
Gallery Hours Thurs & Fri 10:00 – 4:00. pm
Gallery House | Toronto Canada
We’re excited to unveil Sacred Mountain of Peking on Friday, September 6th, a series of nine brand new works by Jeffrey Chong Wang and showcase stunning Chinese opera-inspired paintings by Yu Ji.
About the Exhibition | Jeffrey Chong Wang
I live in the same apartment where I spent my childhood. Walking past my old primary and middle schools, I find myself sifting through memories and imagining the city’s past. I envision the Tongusians outside Yongding Gate, the anti-thieves plotting in Taoran Pavilion, the elderly dancing in the park, primary school students rowing their boats, the statue of Yamantaka in Beihai Park, the Central Axis, the Olympic Games, the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee, and the workers cycling against the wind on their way to work. These images evoke the early stages of socialism, imperial power, the tantric spiritual world, and individual adolescence—whether someone else’s or mine. They appear and reappear, never entirely fading away. I sense that these memories from different times coexist in the same space, creating an ambiguous tension that can lead to something poetic. There’s a palpable tension and a vague sense of history that I feel compelled to explore in my paintings.
Over the years, I’ve painted the faces of my friends in the traditional language of oil painting day after day. Each face carries its own story, and in my work, they become almost like literary characters—people who often feel powerless in the face of external reality. This powerlessness is transformed into a gesture of feigned madness. In traditional Chinese culture, this gesture is familiar, as seen in the crazy monks who often appear in legendary tales and novels. However, these figures are seen as embarrassing and absurd in today’s context. Their feigned madness becomes a fixed posture. I strive to convey this sense of nonsense, awkwardness, and absurdity in my work.
~Jeffrey Chong Wang
About the Exhibition | Yu Ji
My artistic journey reflects the rich cultural heritage and diverse history that has shaped my identity. My works are divided into two parts, each exploring themes close to my heart.
The first part delves into the world of Chinese operas, particularly Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera. These operas, rooted in history, blend factual events and imaginative storytelling. By adapting these stories, I aim to honour the original intentions of the writers while also bringing to light the absurdities and complexities that make them so captivating.
The second part of my work is a tribute to Beijing, where I grew up. Beijing’s deep religious diversity is often overlooked, which has always fascinated me. Through my art, I explore the city’s temples, gardens, and other sacred spaces, each imbued with multiple layers of meaning and aesthetic beauty.
~Yu Ji
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