Fresh Dewdrop: Chen Wei

Ota Fine Arts is delighted to present Chen Wei's solo exhibition Fresh Dewdrop. Based in Beijing, Chen has been developing new photographic expressions as a leading figure from the new generation of artists in China. His works have been well-received globally, characterized with still life painting-like compositions, dazzling lights and allegorical narratives within. His recent solo exhibitions include The Club, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne (2017), Chen Wei: In the Waves, Chi K11 Art Museum, Shanghai (2015).

Titled Fresh Dewdrop, this is the second show by the artist at Ota Fine Arts Tokyo. Utilizing different motifs from the previous exhibition, Chen turns beauty into forms which he found in his observation of the Chinese society and the people living there. The work which has the same title as the exhibition shows such a scenery where one of the tiles is missing from an old sidewalk. Orange colored paint falls by accident into the shape of the missing tile, appearing like a ray of light or an entrance into the blackhole.

This exhibition showcases sculpture works with LED boards in addition to photographs. Waves of light appear on the screen with varying brightness: sometimes weak lights create gradations for a while, and other times strong lights appear as if it brightens up the whole room. This rhythmical change reflects Chen's high sensitivity for music, and also makes viewers feel as if they resemble heartbeats of a living form.

The Chinese society is undergoing tremendous changes. Chen observes the sceneries and emotions of floating generations in the society, but he does not simply judge them as right or wrong. Rather, he chooses to recreate the beauty hidden within. We hope to showcase Chen's latest expression through this exhibition.