About the event
RIVER ART GALLERY is going to present Yenping Chen's latest solo exhibition, "New Classic of Mountains and Seas," which tells a contemporary allegory emphasizing the exploration of inner selves and the pursuit of self-awareness awakening. "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is a legendary tale depicting humanity's exploration of the world thousands of years ago following a catastrophic flood. The book, which has been passed down through generations, has formed a fantastical world alongside numerous adaptations. The artist juxtaposes the extraordinary beings and creatures from the story with bewildering phenomena occurring in modern times, translating the classic into a contemporary allegory, reflecting on the cyclical nature of history and embarking on a journey of reflection and exploration.
This exhibition is located on the first floor, starting from the "world of Qióngqí (a monstrous creature that eats people)," leading viewers to witness this era of technological advancement and myriad changes. Impacted by the ravages of epidemics, natural disasters, and even wars, it feels like a nightmare, with the subconscious leaving people torn and fragmented scars, giving rise to many strange and fantastical creatures, much like the absurd plots of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" where Kuafu chases illusions and Qióngqí indulge in devouring humans. The second phase takes place in the atrium that runs through the gallery space, where bright light combines with the imagery of many judges, attempting to liberate those gradually losing themselves from the modern torrent of repeatedly reenacted historical tragedies. Finally, the last area creates a sanctuary for the soul, suggesting to viewers that only by creating their own spiritual space can they truly find balance and freedom amidst turmoil.
Yenping Chen reveals that in the face of absurdity, people should release energy and transcend their existing destinies through the healing process of seeking remedies, creating a "dwelling" for self-cultivation. If one cannot escape the world, then they must traverse the framework of self-limitation, find truth in chaos, transform the inner beast into rebirth, and evolve into the spiritual beast of the soul.
About the organiser
RIVER ART GALLERY was established in Taichung, Taiwan in 1998, initially discovering renowned Taiwanese artists LI Chen and HUNG Yi. In 2021, the gallery underwent a rebrand, reemerging as a contemporary art space that is not limited by any specific theme, form, or medium. It focuses on a long-term representation of domestic and international artists with high potential and unique style, simultaneously prompting for cross-border brand collaborations to increase visibility of the artists. It also provides the exchange, appreciation, and consultation services for contemporary artworks by famous artists, aiming to satisfy the various tastes and needs of different collectors with diverse and abundant artworks as well as professional and exquisite consulting services.
In the future, RIVER ART GALLERY plans to promote social aesthetics education through curating and hosting contemporary art exhibitions, striving to enhance the public’s artistic tastes, self-reflection, and communal contribution abilities. The ultimate goal is to create an art exchange platform that appeals to and encompasses the market, academia, and education. In addition, the gallery will actively participate in domestic and international art fairs to enhance its connections and interactions with contemporary art in different countries, with a hope of establishing itself as an international gallery brand with a broad vision and influence!