Whispers of souls / Murmures d'âmes

Long Bing is an artist whose works deeply reflect his inner world, shaped by a constant pursuit of freedom and a profound sense of solitude. His forest-themed series acts as a self-created theatre, representing an oppressive, silent, and melancholic space. The human figures in his works resemble statues, embodying a "collective solitude." Influenced by existentialist philosophy, particularly the atheist existentialism of figures like Sartre and Heidegger, Long Bing seeks to explore and express the self through art. His creations, especially his self-portraits, highlight his quest to sculpt his own identity amidst an indifferent world. This philosophical stance rejects predefined meanings, embracing personal freedom and responsibility. Long Bing’s art resonates with existential questions about human existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. His work is not just about artistic expression but also a deep philosophical reflection on life.

Yu Han's work is deeply personal and stems from the artist’s experiences in a small town with limited artistic exposure. Initially, his artistic journey was shaped by a rigorous academic background at the Academy of Fine Arts, but it was life itself that provided the true creative direction. His early work was marked by a sense of confinement and isolation, as there were no exhibitions or exchanges to validate his art. His focus shifted to painting female nudes, influenced by his academic training, though he lacked live models and instead used images from the internet. Uy Han began to fragment the human body, capturing partial impressions rather than the whole. His works reflect a direct engagement with the male gaze, treating the female form as an object of desire. This approach captivated him, with the underlying emotions and everyday sensations visible in his art.

The artist Zhu Qingwei, known as "Quan" (Fountain), explores self-redemption through his evolving series of works. His creations, ranging from character studies to floating clouds and the "Space S" series, showcase his growing perception of the macroscopic world and his ongoing process of self-liberation. Influenced by surrealism and abstract expressionism, each series introduces new painting techniques while maintaining recurring symbols like twisted vortices and serene landscapes. Early on, Qingwei enclosed himself in a microscopic box, symbolizing an attempt to protect his inner self and transcend external constraints. His art is a form of “thinking-perceiving,” challenging viewers to rethink their perception of the world. As he progressed, Qingwei shifted to a broader, more confident and calm perspective, representing his emotional escape in the floating clouds series. This transformation reflects his continuous renewal and healing, aligning with Nietzsche’s view of art as a means to free us from our existential fears. Qingwei’s works demonstrate that perception and art are intertwined, and through his evolving approach, he finds self-redemption.