One of the most representative artists in the field of non-figurative art in China – Jin Rilong’s solo exhibition will be opened at Wei Gallery on the 23rd March, 2023 at the same time as Art Basel 2023 in Hong Kong.
Following the first Jin's solo exhibition "Image Reconstruction" in 2019, Wei Gallery will reveal Jin Rilong’s latest artworks from 2019 to 2022 during Art Basel 2023. This exhibition "Eternity" implies the poetic imagery of the eternal immutability, as we rationally admire the artist's sensual world that he has always been exploring, and presents his artistic journey and self-transformation of the past four years.
Artist Jin Rilong’s new book “25 Years of Non-figurative Art” will also be published during the exhibition. Apart from the publication, Wei Gallery is delighted to invite the artist to the gallery for holding the art talks. Please stay tuned !
“Image · Illusion · Imagery”
Jin Rilong’s unique art style was inspired by his rich life experience and interdisciplinary practical experience. His early learning experience of oil painting at the Central Academy of Arts has laid a solid foundation for his realistic painting. Later, he went to South Korea to study video installation and abstract art. His works focus more on the artistic conception and the vision of light through. Jin Rilong’s painting is not about the physical light reflected by the concrete objects, but the metaphorical light in his mind. His unremitting exploration of self and art has extended the vitality of his art creation and innovations. At the same time, his unique cultural background and learning experience granted him an extraordinary energy and visual impact distinct from the western artists.
“Finely carved white" -- minimalist rationality
Jin said: "The simpler the picture, the less empty it shall be. Even if it is a simple piece of white, we should consider whether this piece of white could fit in." "The more non-figurative the painting becomes, the more difficult it is."
From the academic and artistic perspective, Jin had constructed his own concept of abstract art by minimizing the painting in a simple and rational way. He releases the perceptual side of artwork from the extreme control of rationality. Through the flow of colors and lines, his hidden inner world is depicted, carved by the brushstrokes, and conveyed to the readers.
Although extricated from substantial objects, Jin Rilong’s paintings unite his understanding of saturation, depth, space, and thickness. Unlike realism, non-figurative art relies on the artist himself to construct the frame. This metaphysical art form transcends the inherent form of objects and is more concrete than realism. It presents the artist's emotional outpouring during the immersive process of drawing. The layers, tonality of colors, and the natural rhythm of the human body leave traces of brushwork, which are instantaneous and natural creations beyond control. The painting is reconstructed in the author's spiritual world in the process of achieving clarity of mind, peace of spirit and sublimation of the soul.
"Defamiliarization and Alienation"
Influenced by German dramatist and poet Bertolt Brecht's theory of "defamiliarization", Jin Rilong created the form "four into one", which constructs defamiliarization by separating the frame into four or two squares, as to intentionally cut off the audience's normative and habitual way of thinking when interpreting the piece. The artist enables the audience to think independently and re-interpret the picture, hoping that different feelings can be aroused in the audience when viewing his artworks.
“Separated from image”
The pioneer of Abstract art Kandinsky mentioned in his “Point and Line to Plane”: "Abstract art is based on the harmonious relationship between color and form and must be separated from the image."
Points, lines, and surfaces display Oriental thoughts, combining colors to form abstract pictures. The painting is not large, but the feelings are sincere; the language is delicate. From ethnic culture to the care for our spiritual world, the way Jin Rilong addresses the space is a surreal expression of strong emotions. His works are not limited to flat, figurative and abstract style, but he continuously expanses the techniques and materials, from contemporary installation to digital multimedia which demonstrate his investigation of traditional culture and contemporary art.
