Illusionary Echoes: Between Fragility and Force

"Illusionary Echoes: Between Fragility and Force" is an immersive exploration of the delicate interplay between vulnerability and strength, beauty and aggression, harmony and conflict. It navigates the myriad ways in which human actions and preferences sculpt the natural world, unfolding across a spectrum of mediums such as painting, paper cutting, 3D printing, and installations. Through diverse perspectives, the artists propose a reconsideration of our relationship with nature, shedding light on the impact of human interaction on the environment.

This exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality and to rediscover the beauty and fragility of nature as shaped by human civilization. From the delicate intricacies of nature to the nuanced interactions between humans and their surroundings, each artwork challenges conventional boundaries, sparking introspection and reflection. The works in this exhibit feature a range of media and drawing techniques. Various types of metal, paper, canvas, silk, fabric, acrylic, resin, Chinese pigments, and ink are all explored.

Artists: Bora Shim, Jiwoo Kim, Mengwei Chen, Yan Wu

Bora Shim (@borabora_rt)

Bora Shim is a Seoul and London-based artist engaging with nature in modern society and dismissing objects in nature and daily life. The artist explores irregular forms within the fabricated nature of the city and discovers her longing for 'authentic' nature. Her interests in dismissed objects within the patterned and structured artificial nature construct the space with various mediums. Experiencing London occupied by around 3000 gardens, which is equivalent of the amount of one-fifth of London's total area, the artist finds herself drawn to the familiarity and enchantment of greenery. However, a sense of repulsion against excessive grooming and artificiality of parks and gardens becomes a motive of artworks. Her interest in what she identifies as 'vanishing' or 'vanished' elements in nature and her perspective towards them work as the subjects of her work. She explores the intersection of her interest in damaged surroundings with the aesthetic interests of people in the Romantic era's architectural ruins in 18th-century Britain. Furthermore, she delves into the role of parks as political symbols and meaning in British landscape history and the inseparable relationship between pure art and them, expressing it in space.

Jiwoo Kim (@waslukewarm)

Based in London, Jiwoo Kim explores the ideas of subjects and objects and strives to break free from the usual boundaries separating art and design. Her focus on this discourse reflects broader efforts to dismantle established limitations. Ultimately, Kim aims to shift away from the idea of a fixed self or object, emphasizing instead the dynamic interaction and evolution of various modes of truth. She seeks to redefine the concept of the subject, viewing it as a structure of diverse influences rather than a predetermined starting point.Kim's work serves as a visual expression of complex interaction at the intersection of art and design. It also highlights my willingness to challenge conventional boundaries and embrace a more dynamic perspective.

Mengwei Chen (@touyeye_yeyetou)

Mengwei Chen’s artistic expression is deeply shaped by 1970s and 1980s horror films, literature, and manga. Additionally, she has been drawing inspiration from Chinese occult and mystery traditions, funerary culture, and folk sorcery rituals, endeavoring to recreate these fading cultural forms and infuse folklore elements into her new works. Currently, her focus is on creating mixed-media pieces that blend paper cutting, sculpture, comics, and painting.

Yan Wu (@yanwufineart)

Yan Wu, born in Beijing, China, and currently residing and studying in London, is a multifaceted artist pursuing an MFA at Goldsmiths, University of London. Yan Wu's artistic practice intertwines traditional mediums such as ink, color, silk, and rice paper with contemporary themes, creating a captivating narrative that transcends temporal and cultural boundaries. Drawing inspiration from classical Chinese bird and flower paintings, she imbues her works with symbolic imagery that delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world. Through her meticulous brushwork and evocative compositions, Yan addresses pressing issues such as environmental crisis and feminism, prompting viewers to contemplate the complexities of modern existence. She adeptly navigates between historical traditions and contemporary perspectives, employing a modern optical lens to recontextualize and feminize her subjects, thereby inviting audiences to reconsider their significance in today's global landscape.