Taipei Dangdai 2023 | Mei Ling WANG's Solo Exhibition: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center | Booth DG09

My Keywords series resembles an autobiography –

The concept of creation circles back to self-exploration and expressing myself through my creative endeavors.

I prepared an online survey, posing the question: "When you think of Mei Ling WANG, what five keywords come to mind?" I shared this survey with friends from different stages of my life, and their responses were sent back to my cloud drive. Echoing the collection and analysis of big data, their responses offer a glimpse of how others perceive me. Next, I extracted recurring words and incorporated them into my work, using imagery and colors to seamlessly blend the typography. While words convey the emotions I intend to convey, this painting process feels like an abstract autobiographical expression to me.

When it comes to self-perception, it's not uncommon to have blind spots. Obtaining a direct and different perspective from others can provide a more accurate depiction of oneself. So here, not only can you see how I perceive myself, but also gain insight into my life and surroundings, creating a more three-dimensional and persuasive presentation.

Artists are often very self-conscious. On one hand, they are confident in their work, but on the other, they fear others' subjectivity and their own objectivity. Navigating the ambiguous space between subjectivity and objectivity can be a conflicting experience. I aim to present an autobiographical narrative, but I am hesitant to discuss myself too much, perhaps as a way of making me less vulnerable to others' scrutiny.

To me, my family holds great importance. They supply me with strength and support, allowing me to focus without distractions. According to my friends, my family plays a crucial role in shaping who I am as a person. Their influence on me surpasses that of my education or societal experiences. No matter what challenges I encounter, my family's unwavering support and faith enable me to triumph over them. They are my safe haven. 

The ultimate belief in creativity is finding redemption through art. 

I exhibit perseverance and endurance through routine actions and extended hours of work, taking pleasure in this straightforward process. Much like climbing a mountain, the creative process demands sustained focus and can leave one physically drained. Yet, upon overcoming the obstacles and completing the work, there is a profound sense of relief and accomplishment.

Beginning with the petals in Flowery Age, shapes evolved and dots, lines, and planes expanded until the Keywords series emerged. 

My pieces are painted on canvas with fine-tip Chinese calligraphy brushes. This unique combination showcases Eastern brushwork through a Western medium. 

 

Some people believe that flowers are at their most beautiful when they are in full bloom. To me, the beauty lies in the process of flowers withering and returning to nature after blossoming, transcending even the splendor of the blooming phase. Incorporating this concept into my work, I express it through my brushstrokes.

WANG's first solo exhibition with Eslite Gallery in 2022--Flowery Age series.