The title Nonexistent Reality originates from The Truman Show, a dark comedy film. The film depicts a preposterous fable of life: the tragic character Truman is deceived and fooled all his life, living in a virtual world surveilled under numerous cameras. The film reflects multiple social issues such as human rights, freedom and privacy. Yet what is most impactful is the human desire for truth and freedom. In the ending, the ultimate puppeteer behind the scheme tells Truman that he has become the most popular star in the world, if he stays in this fictional world he can carry on his star life. Truman is however unconvinced and chooses to leave. Everybody has a different definition for the concept of truth. On a surface level, only what is visible to the naked eye can be regarded as real. But this reality is not singular. There is another reality deep inside our hearts. It is only peripheral to our vision but this reality holds great spiritual significance. The exhibition introduces the realities that are beyond human vision to our spiritual world, hoping to bring the viewer a unique otherworldly and “illusory” sensation.

The exhibition encompasses painting, sculpture, photography, video and other forms of expression. Nine young artists, San Shui, Peng Pi, Yi Guodong, Huang Haifei, Qiu Yun, Tian Xiaolei, Chen Xi, Han Peng and Li Zhen attempt to explicate the concept of “nonexistent reality” through four independent themes: Mirage, Butterfly Dream, Virtual World and Fairytale. The nine artists in the exhibition all have their own idiosyncratic forms of expression and conceptualization.

Image: © San Shui, Chambers Fine Art