Richard Koh Fine Art (RKFA) is pleased to present Modern Absurdity and the Superficial Abyss by Justin Lim at Richard Koh Fine Art, Bangsar Village II, Jalan Telawi 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 8 – 23 Sept 2015. Modern Absurdity and the Superficial Abyss will be the artist’s 8th solo exhibition. This exhibition is also extended into a solo presentation at the Art Expo Malaysia Plus, Booth A3, Hall A, Menara MARTRADE, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 10 – 13 Sept 2015. The opening reception for the gallery exhibition is on the 8th of Sept (Tues) from 6 – 9 pm.
Modern Absurdity and the Superficial Abyss, consisting of predominantly textured paintings painted entirely in black, sculptures and portraits of eyes explores the idea of illumination in art and painting that plays on the notion of truth-seeking within an illusionary space. The works indicate an evident departure in relation to his previous series in terms of color usage and presentation methods while still retaining his unique vocabulary of images and symbolism. The pieces are both personal and exploratory in nature; documenting the 32 year-old artists’ friends, lifestyle and interests such as his past involvement in the local underground music scene as a performer and audience, and his interests in urban subcultures while investigating the potential of the painted surface.
Individually and as a collection, the paintings have directed Justin’s attention into the realm of discreet and elusive images and a territory devoid of color, while focusing on the sensitivities of experiencing a painting in a ‘staged’ exhibition space. This body of work as stated by the artist, takes advantage of various allegories to create visual narratives that document his perceptions and experiences through his art practice. As an artist, he is constantly in a state of flux, digesting and questioning the relevance of art and its role in a contemporary context.
Justin Lim (b. 1983 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) completed his postgraduate studies in 2006 with a Master of Art (Fine Art) degree from The Open University UK conducted at Lasalle-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore and has a BA (Hons) Fine Art majoring in painting. He was the recipient of the 2008 Malaysia-Australia Visual Artist Residency at Rimbun Dahan, Malaysia and participated in the 2009 Asian Art Biennial held at the Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. He was also the recipient of the 2011 Asian Artist Fellowship at the Vermont Studio Center, USA and the 2012 Khazanah Nasional Artist Residency hosted by Red Gate Gallery in Beijing, China. He lives and works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
