Taipei Dangdai Showcases Artworks by the Late Artist Yeh Shih-chiang
Contemporary Art Fair commences this weekend, highlighting the release of the Rizzoli publication 'Constellations'.
Taipei Dangdai Art & Ideas, an exhibition showcasing contemporary art, will open its doors at the Nangang Exhibition Hall this upcoming weekend (May 12-14). The event will feature 90 galleries from both domestic and international origins, along with carefully curated discussions and exhibits.
Following the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the anticipation for the return of Dangdai without attendance restrictions has been overwhelming. Organizers guarantee that this year's exhibition will rival the success of 2019 and 2020, which saw record-breaking attendance and sales.
Hanart TZ Gallery, led by Johnson Chang (張頌仁), a renowned curator of contemporary Chinese art, has been a steadfast supporter of Dangdai since its inception. The gallery has continuously attracted interest and acclaim throughout its 35-year journey in exploring contemporary Chinese artwork.
During this weekend's event, Hanart will present the works of five artists under the exhibition title, "Exit. Escape. Remote. Beyond." In a press release, the showcased artists are described as individuals who "deeply delve into artistic craftsmanship and explore the physical and psychological state of isolation and seclusion. Each artist has chosen to live a life detached from mainstream society in their own unique way."
The exhibition's underlying philosophy serves as a critique of materialism and the relentless pursuit of artistic visions. The late Yeh Shih-chiang (葉世強) exemplifies this philosophy as one of Taiwan's most secluded and enigmatic artists. Taipei Dangdai will honor his legacy with the unveiling of new artwork and the launch of a book published by the prestigious international publisher, Rizzoli.
"Constellations" represents the first illustrated book in English dedicated to capturing the extraordinary life and works of Yeh Shih-chiang. Notably, it is also Rizzoli's inaugural publication featuring a prominent Taiwanese artist, making it a significant contribution to the field.
The creation of this book was made possible through a collaboration with installation artist and photographer Yeh Wei-li (葉偉立). Yeh Wei-li reimagined and recontextualized Yeh Shih-chiang's works in a modern setting and restored his former art studio and living spaces.
The official launch of "Constellations" will take place at the Hanart TZ Gallery booth during Taipei Dangdai. Concurrently, the Ideas Forum at the 2023 Taipei Dangdai will host a conversation between Rizzoli's European editor, curator Johnson Chang, and artist Yeh Wei-Li. They will reflect on the origins and the five-year process behind this extraordinary project. A panel discussion has been scheduled for Friday (May 12) from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and will be repeated on Saturday (May 13) at the same time.
