Chen Hangfeng — 禄 Prospérité — 22,48 m² Gallery — Exhibition — Slash Paris

Past: May 11 → July 28, 2012

The works of Chen Hangfeng are made of many symbols we do not notice at first sight. Behind well arranged forms and lines there lies a rather complex organization of signs. The combination of heterogenous shapes actually responds to the construction of images that allow different ways of reading.

At first sight they seem to derive from Chinese tradition, dear to the artist, as they reinterpret the meticulous art of handicrafts by the use of symmetric forms and attention to details. Chen explores different techniques such as the art of carpet weaving, embroidery, and specifically cut outs with their thousand year old history.

Still, it’s not the mere recovery of an ancient technique, but a true renewal of the art of paper cut-outs, its themes and forms. Chen’s compositions bring together elements of the Far-Eastern tradition with symbols of 21st century Western consumer society, worlds that are frequently compartmentalized. In effect, he uses the language of contemporary art and references of his time to save the most ancient roots of his own culture.

The gallery 22,48 m² presents a set of works hitherto unknown in France. The works are also displayed in the gallery’s offices, which will, exceptionally, be opened to the public.