26/4/2013
Su Yu-Hsien
TKG+, Taipei
Hua-shan-qiang. Su's works focus on the non-objective space between the subject and the object, examining how reality is constructed in people's daily lives.
TKG+ is pleased to present Hua-shan-qiang, Su Yu-Hsien's first solo exhibition at the gallery, on view from April 27 to June 9, 2013 (opening reception: Saturday, April 27, 4-7pm). Su's works focus on the non-objective space between the subject and the object, examining how reality is constructed in people's daily lives. The exhibition revolves around Su’s most recent video, Hua-shan-qiang, and will also include more than 20 digital works and a mixed-media installation, all of which explore religions, death, and the false and reality.
The title, Hua-shan-qiang, originates from the pediments of buildings, which in Taiwan had originally been used for ventilation and fire prevention. During the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), however, the purpose of pediments changed from one with practical uses, to serving a decorative function. Su draws from this shift for the exhibition’s works and its layout.
The central piece of the exhibition, Su’s latest video of the same title, is set in a miniature house designed for the dead, and follows a self-immolated man through the afterlife. Through the video, digital works, and multi-media installation, we follow the man’s journey, which is built upon people’s imaginations of another world. Fire serves as a transmitter between the “real” world and the underworld, and also delivers the confusion of self-recognition that occurs along the way.
Su Yu-Hsien (b. 1982) was born in Tainan, Taiwan, where he currently lives and works. His most recent solo exhibition, I am Pluto yo, was held at the VT ArtSalon in 2009. In 2011 his works were presented at the Heard and the Unheard—Soundscape Taiwan at the Taiwan Pavilion at the 54th Venice Biennale. His other group shows include: Today of Taiwanese Art (Changwon, South Korea, 2010), Plug in X Add on (the Rag Factory, London, 2011), and 60-Minute Cinema (Chinese Arts Centre, Manchester, UK, 2012). He also curated Paradigm Shift—the Moment of Taiwan New Generation Arts (798 Art Zone, Beijing, 2007), CO Q-Young Taiwanese Artist from Nobody Collection (Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts of Taipei National University of the Arts, Taipei, 2008), and Oopject (TKG+, Taipei, 2010). In 2007 Su was awarded the S-An Arts Award, the Kaohsiung Award, and the Taipei Arts Award's first prize.
TKG+, the contemporary platform of the Tina Keng Gallery, opened its expansive space in the Neihu District of Taipei in October 2009. Its mission is to promote and support the most interesting and significant contemporary art from the region. The gallery works with emerging artists and privileges experimentation in art across different mediums, from video and photography to installation and new media. As its name suggests, TKG+ believes in the exponential growth and possibility of art in the 21st century.
For all press inquiries, please contact Connie Chen at info.tkgplus@gmail.com
Opening: April 27, 4–7pm
TKG+
B1, No. 15, Lane 548, Ruiguang Road Taipei 114, Taiwan
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–7pm,
Saturday–Sunday 11am–7pm
Admission free