INNERFLOW
What does it mean to be oneself in a world where identities are constantly shaped and reshaped by external forces? "Inner Flow" invites you to delve into the depths of selfhood, where the boundaries between authenticity and artifice blur, and the essence of identity is laid bare.
The works in this exhibition confront us with the raw, unfiltered self, revealing vulnerabilities and imperfections that are often hidden from view. The human form—distorted, entangled, yet undeniably powerful—challenges our ingrained notions of beauty and perfection. These depictions, marked by the tension between attraction and repulsion, speak to the complexity of the human condition. They suggest that the true nature of the soul is not found in flawless exteriors, but rather in the embrace of imperfection. Through dynamic compositions, the artists compel us to ask: Is it within these very imperfections that our true selves reside?
The paintings delve into the inner world, revealing the vibrant and turbulent emotions that often lie beneath the surface. These works remind us that what we see on the outside is often a carefully curated façade, while the true self remains an ever-changing landscape within. The use of color and form in these pieces captures the fluidity of identity, where stillness and movement, saturation and paleness, coexist in a delicate balance.
As you explore "Inner Flow," consider the self as a fluid, evolving entity—one that is both shaped by and resistant to external forces. Through these works, we are reminded that the journey to selfhood is not a straightforward path, but a complex dance between visibility and obscurity, vulnerability and strength. Who are we beneath the layers we wear? How do we reconcile the self that is seen with the self that remains hidden? In this space, we invite you to reflect on these questions and perhaps, find a deeper understanding of your own inner flow.
Placid
Placid is an artist duo composed of sculptor Chen Lok Yan and painter Louise Chow. Chen and Chow were born in 1989 in Hong Kong, and received their Masters of Architecture (MArch) from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Their sculpture and paintings resonate with each other, jointly exploring the complexity of individual identity.
Individuals possess characters that define their unique identities. These elements - attitude, style, thoughts and memories, are expressed as dents of imperfection on the initial surfaces of the sculptures. They are then filled and polished until they become smooth and imperceptible by touch. In conventional processes of model making, these polished prototypes shall receive the final coating, to meet the universal expectations in real life. Placid's sculptures are like frozen prototypes that preserve the characters of these placid beings as bespoke textures, capturing the moment before they receive the final coating that conceals the truth and imperfections inside. They are intentionally grey, the default color of digital modeling, and the most appropriate color to receive light and shadow. The most neutral and peaceful color, buries the deepest fluctuations.
Placid’ s paintings depict the same subjects as the sculptures, imagining their heads as empty interiors that become scenes of introspection. Looking out from the inside of the heads of the placid beings, one sees different scenery as from the outside. Shifts in viewpoint accentuate changes in perception and trigger emotions, serving as the inspirations of the paintings, and providing glimpses into the unique characters hidden under their gentle faces. The organic enclosures become the exhaustive realm for each painting, distorted as they stretch across the entire length of the picture frame. Vibrant and
sometimes fluorescent colors inject life into the shades of grey throughout our paintings. The juxtapositions of fluidity and stillness, saturation and paleness, instill a suppressed atmosphere and give their paintings a calming presence.
In the year or 2023, Placid has held their first solo exhibition “the Witnesses” at Gallery Jo Yana in Marseille, France. They have also participated in group exhibitions and art fairs include “Nyctophilia”, Gallery Nowhy, Seoul, South Korea (2023); Art Amoy International Art Fair, Gallery Nowhy, Xiamen, China (2023); “Blue Blue Bl(ue)m”, IM Gallery, Guangzhou, China (2023); Moordn Art Fair, Guangzhou, China(2023); Beijing Art Fair, Beijing, China(2024); Ningbo Art Fair, Ningbo, China（2024）.
Placid
CRYSTAL CLEAR, 2024
acrylic on canvas
88 x 68 cm
Placid
KEEP AWAY FROM ME, 2024
acrylic on canvas
88 x 68 cm
Marius Seidlitz
Marius Seidlitz was born in Germany in 1985 and currently works in Kempten, Germany. He explores the complexities of self-identity in his artwork, questioningMarius Seidlitz explores the complexities of self-identity in his artwork, questioning notions of beauty and perfection. His artistic process encompasses diverse techniques, ranging from engraving mastery to free creative use of spray technology and paint. Seidlitz's expressive images feature deliberately imperfect bodies of women, portraying colorful curves and multi-layered nudity that embody the contradictions between attraction and repulsion. These dynamic and multidimensional compositions are characterized by entangled bodies, hinted limbs, and lips merging with vibrant surfaces and dynamic lines. Through the use of acrylic and spray paints, Seidlitz examines the self and its presentation, celebrating the versatility of imperfection. His art embraces the beauty of vulnerability, showcasing the simultaneous coexistence of different proportions and human needs. By stripping the bodies naked, Seidlitz unveils the soul, capturing the complex and ever-evolving nature of human beings.Seidlitz has held exhibitions in various countries and regions including Italy, France, Germany, the United States, South Korea, China, Japan, etc. His recent solo exhibitions include ‘Beyond the Mirror’ , Akunst Gallery, Seoul (2023); ‘It’ s Too Late For Postcards’ , Foundazione
Michetti, Francavira (2021); ‘Sugar, We Are Going Down!’ , Heart House, Munich (2020);
Marius Seidlitz
UNIQUE, 2023
oil on cavans
100 x 120 cm
