MadeIn Gallery
MadeIn Gallery is pleased to present “Flickering Boundaries” opening on January 19, 2018, and showcasing the works of Elliot Dodd (U.K., b. 1978), Xu Zhen (Produced by MadeIn Company) (b. 1977), Yang Jun (b. 1963), Zhang Lian (b. 1984), Zheng Yuan (b. 1988) and Zhu Yu (b. 1970).
The term “boundary” defines an area, which isn’t restricted to a scope of content, but also implies insurmountable barriers. It constitutes a certain basic understanding of the world, with properties varying according to different contexts. The word “flicker” calls into question the notion of border, and reflects uncertainties. Issued from the symbolical image of a signaling light, this metaphore not only plays the role of guidance and discipline, developing hiddden boundaries; it also means that expectations and aspirations from the other side point the way in the drowsy shadow.
In this exhibition, “boundary” as a proper metaphor, a once-accepted definition, becomes a subject, an expressing tool and reference for the artists. In the works by Yang Jun and Xu Zhen (Produced by MadeIn Company) media limitations are redetermined, and familiar material such as painting takes a new function and dimension, and is presented in an unconventional way. Zhu Yu’s paintings’ outlines of figurative contents are purposely blurred, disappearing; while Elliot Dodd borrows consumer culture and advertising aesthetics, using real and virtual allegories to question established social awareness. In the works of two artists born in the 80′s, border consciousness further relate to the content itself: Zhang Lian’s paintings depict a state of migration in different time and space. Unbalanced pictures appear from the untrusty demarcation of boundaries; and Zheng Yuan’s record of two events explores the fuzzy border between reality and reproduction as well as the structure of media discourse that causes mischiefs.
In these artistic practices, the once pretentious definitions have been transformed into an experimental state of easiness, flickering between concrete and illusory nature. “Flickering Boundaries” is a paradoxical state common to the works: in affirmative cases, all defined objects can be developed; while only in negative presupposition, can the deeply rooted forms be considered . “Flickering Boundaries” aims to disturb defined limits, targeting the moment when people set these borders and the failure of dualism, urging the viewer to escape from the traditional logic of non-conformity and prepare oneself to receive in the non-designation of boundary a post contemporary flickering situation.
