The Opposite House is pleased to present Red Memory, new works by Chen Wenling from Red Gate Gallery. Chen’s distinctive sculptures evoke an intensity that reflects his life-embracing personality and an unflinching look at his environment. During a visit to his home village, Chen was inspired by the carefree and innocent children playing in the countryside which led him to create his signature Red Memory series.
Chen Wenling’s Red Memory Series
The Red memory series is one of my favourite sculptures that always stand out in a sea of other artworks. Chen is also behind more provocative works like Bernie Madoff-inspired farting, charging bull, “What you see may not be be real“. Chen first came to Beijing when gallery Director Brian Wallace offered him the use of the residency studios for two months for free and a modest monthly stipend . It was Red Gate Gallery’s initiative to help regional artists like Chen who is from Xiamen, giving them the opportunity and platform to establish themselves in the contemporary Chinese art scene.
The installation includes a single large sculpture and three smaller works on display in The Opposite House’s atrium and several smaller ones in the living room. This breakthrough body of work with sinewy boys, made of bronze and auto-grade paint, drenched in his signature fire-engine duco red paint, is a testament of the artist’s fiery attitude towards life.
Chen Wenling’s Red Memory Series
Chen Wenling is a graduate of Xiamen Academy of Art and Design and Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts Sculpture Department. His solo and group sculpture works have been widely exhibited throughout the United States, Europe (Spain, Austria and Belgium) and Asia (Korea and China). He currently works and lives in Beijing.
“The glossy figures with an emboldened blend of cheeky expressions and arresting poses are a celebratory call to embrace the inner child in everyone,” says Beijing Area General Manager of Swire Hotels, Anthony Ross.
