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Opening Reception: Sat. May 23, 6-8 pm
LA Contemporary is proud to present Tian an men, a solo exhibition of bold new work by the Chinese artist Ma Yanling. This will be the artist’s first solo exhibition in Los Angeles. Tian an men is series of paintings that directly confront the Chinese systems of authority in a public display of a private crisis.
“Tian an men Square has become an arena for political combat between the Chinese Government and the Chinese people, ever since it became a public space after the collapse of the Ching Dynasty. The paradox is, on the one hand, the Chinese Government wants to lure its people to the Tian an men Square displacing their patriotism, on the other hand, the Chinese Government is extremely cautions about what the people would do once they are there. To ensure stability, the Chinese Government is guarding Tiananmen Square with armed force and surveillance cameras. With all this drama as the backdrop, Ma Yanling turns to suicide into a public performance.” Li Xianting, Tian’anmen
“The images of her suicide performances are recreated on canvas, veiled beneath a layer of minute brush strokes. “Rendered in the technique of Chinese fine stroke painting, Ma Yanling uses the eighteen traditional brush strokes that form a meaningless grid and in doing so the simplicity and repetition of human nature, like flowing water, is emphasized.” Wang Bing, Impressions.
Contact: Hoojung Lee at hoojunglee@lacontemporary.com
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