In the early 1990s, Wu Yiqiang happened to be at the border area of Yunnan Province, China, where communication channels with the outside world were far from developed. There, the artist relied mainly on newspapers to obtain information; however, while receiving the information, he had doubts over the objectivity and authenticity of the reports in the media. The questions “How many of these reports are real and objective?” and “How many of these are written to meet certain political demands?” kept recurring in his mind. These questions have not gone away, and Wu believes, “Indeed, our lives have always been shaped by political demands, and our thinking has been interfered by media of the administrative vehicle, by which our intellect is blinded.” Hence the desire to receive authentic information from newspapers and the indignation at their reduction into a political tool are entangled in an inner battle of conflicts. Wu Yiqiang has chosen not to remain silent. He instead smears and tempers with the texts and images of newspapers, “violently” tearing, pinching, pressing and gluing them to re-construct the scenes and re-create the linguistic contexts. This can be interpreted as a confrontation with authorities and the liberation of form and meaning.

Are all the existing appearances presenting the nature of things in its true sense? critical conception towards the authenticity and objectivity of the news media, Wu Yiqiang’s skeptical attitude is extended to every aspect of the everyday life, from newspapers to other paper media such as promotional materials, books, magazines and even religious texts. In these paper media, what the artist feels is a chaotic world in which everyone rushes to converse their opinions and thoughts, but well, who is really talking? What are they talking about? Who is criticizing whom? The fact is no clear meaningful content can be derived from all this talking. The ongoing confusing events are happening all over the world. Moreover, a lot of people are fighting for the right to speak, so millions of voices are hoping to be heard via paper media. The majority of these voices are spoken to influence people’s action—businesses want to persuade consumers to keep spending; politicians want more votes; and governments want to put forth “positive” messages… although so many people have so many messages to convey, we cannot listen clearly at all, or are unable to make clear sense of them. From his dubious and critical conception towards the authenticity and objectivity of the news media, Wu Yiqiang’s skeptical attitude is extended to every aspect of the everyday life, from newspapers to other paper media such as promotional materials, books, magazines and even religious texts. In these paper media, what the artist feels is a chaotic world in which everyone rushes to converse their opinions and thoughts, but well, who is really talking? What are they talking about? Who is criticizing whom? The fact is no clear meaningful content can be derived from all this talking. The ongoing confusing events are happening all over the world. Moreover, a lot of people are fighting for the right to speak, so millions of voices are hoping to be heard via paper media. The majority of these voices are spoken to influence people’s action—businesses want to persuade consumers to keep spending; politicians want more votes; and governments want to put forth “positive” messages… although so many people have so many messages to convey, we cannot listen clearly at all, or are unable to make clear sense of them.

Titled “Deafening din of voices”, this exhibition depicts the world as it is in a straight-forward manner. The reflections of the artist seem to liberate us from the crowded images and texts in this topsy-turvy world, which has inspired a new way of thinking in the prevalent hustle and bustle. Art Experience Gallery is honored to invite Wu Yiqiang to attend the exhibition opening. He would share his ideas of and experience of his creations.