“Paper-fer” and “Cut and Substitute” Series on Display at Tang Contemporary Art SEOUL

Chinese artist Wu Wei, whose work has gained popularity after selling out at a famous art fair, is currently holding his second solo exhibition the Shepherd's Touch in Korea at Tang Contemporary Art SEOUL. 

The exhibition showcases about 40 newly completed works created by Wu Wei after 2022, including pieces from his “paper-fer” and “Cut and Substitute” series. 

▲ Wu Wei / 伍伟 Section and Substitute-8 / 切面与替身-8 Paper, metal / 纸张、金属 39 x 39 x 9 cm 2023, Photo by Chloe KIM

Wu Wei's “paper-fer” series is characterized by a texture resembling hair, achieved by cutting paper with scissors and reconstructing it. The texture of his works can be described as “touchable with the eyes” and creates a strange excitement for viewers beyond what they see with the naked eye.

▲ Wu Wei / 伍伟 Stripes-10 / 斑纹-10 Paper on board / 木板上纸张 70 x 70 cm 2023, Photo by Chloe KIM

The “Cut and Substitute” series features Wu Wei's imperfect reconstruction of existing works in the form of a dictator who damages some of the images of famous Western classics and adds new elements. This idea can be understood as an expression of imperfect political issues in the world Wu Wei has lived in, although he did not explicitly express them. 

▲ Wu Wei / 伍伟 Section and Substitute-16 / 切面与替身-16 Paper, metal / 纸张、金属, 35 x 35 x 8 cm, 2023, Photo by Chloe KIM

Wu Wei explores the relationship between man and beast, civilization and nature, and domestication and wildness in his works. He combines paper and animal skin to reveal beastly patterns and vivid colors in an abstract way, based on his constant concern about modern culture.

Tang Contemporary Art SEOUL is a globally renowned gallery that showcases the latest works by contemporary artists, including internationally renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Andres Barrioquinto, Diren Lee, Etsu Egami, Gongkan, Jigger Cruz, Jonas Burgert, Julio Le Parc, Woo Kukwon, Yue Minjun, Zhao Zhao, and Zhu Jinshi.

▲ Wu Wei / 伍伟 Disjointed Pelage-4,5 / 分裂的皮毛-4,5 Acrylic, paper on canvas and board / 木板画布上丙烯、纸张 95 x 95 cm 2022, Photo by Chloe KIMWu Wei, who is active in Beijing, China, has won several awards, including the 3rd New Star Art Festival Art Award in 2012 and the 6th New Stars Space Award in 2015. 

The exhibition is on display until June 3rd.

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Chloe Kim 2022chloe.k@gmil.com