Have you ever felt uncomfortable in an unfamiliar group? The term “social anxiety” has become common among the younger generation in recent years, often used by introverted individuals to self-deprecatingly describe their lack of social skills or even fear of socializing. Chinese artist Wang Jinbo often uses his artwork to express the inner emotions of insecurity and lack of safety when facing the outside world. Recently, SENS Gallery, in collaboration with Shanghai Yanwu Gallery XU Gallery, has brought this artist’s works to Hong Kong!
The exhibition is called “Fantasy Safe House” and revolves around Wang Jinbo’s inner fantasy world, reflecting the peace and stability he feels within it. Wang Jinbo’s artwork is often filled with shimmering starlight, which is his unique artistic language. The hands of the characters in the paintings are often obstructed by external objects or the body. The artist says, “The tangled and uneasy gestures are hidden in the shining light. I have rehearsed countless times in my heart, only to conceal the uneasiness and anxiety within.” It blends the bewildered soul of modern people, who, despite living in a community, actually experience a sense of loneliness.
右：Anonymous Light (2022) Wang Jinbo Oil on Canvas 150 x 120 cm
In addition to self-exploration, the process of creation is a form of self-reconciliation for Wang Jinbo. The pandemic has provided him with a great space for contemplation and an opportunity for self-exploration. He hopes that through his creations, he can also help the audience find inner peace and achieve self-reconciliation. When Wang Jinbo becomes aware of his inner unease and social fears, he simply faces them with a calm attitude and immerses himself in the world he has created.
Wang Jinbo extends this sense of comfort and stability into his creations, focusing on projecting his inner emotions onto the characters and scenes in his works. In addition, his creations serve as a response to social issues. In certain social situations, he uses a talkative demeanor to disguise his true self, inner conflicts, and resistant attitude. This kind of performance goes against his true feelings. The individual’s loneliness and sense of alienation are deeply reflected in the works from the perspective of an observer, creating a space for people to contemplate how to face loneliness, anxiety, and interpersonal communication issues.
The artist focuses on the present, and indeed, painting is a process that allows Wang Jinbo to think and digest information. His works emphasize color and delicately depict the contours of the characters. The shining texture has always been a part of his creative history, from depicting twinkling stars in the past to the dazzling flashes now, as if constantly expanding an extraordinary and otherworldly cosmic scene, where he finds his own place of comfort.
“Fantasy Safe House”
Date: November 24 to December 10, 2022 (excluding Sundays and public holidays)
Time: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: Room 08, 19th Floor, Landmark South, Wong Chuk Hang
Image source and learn more: SENS Gallery
