The central theme of “Boom and Bust” is set on the ups and downs of the global economic cycle and all the works in the exhibition are locked into such. So, Christian Nicolay’s collection, ”Boom and Bust: a Speculative Approach to Solving Problems”, mixed media graphic works, is created by, first, completing the drawing on wood and acrylic boards separately, then, putting abundant paint on to the wood board, and finally, press-combining the two materials. This creative process simulates the economic cycle that features a constant interchange of “boom and bust”. The bonding action led to an irregular outward burst of the paint between the two boards, whose directions and manners were simply beyond prediction. Furthermore, Kang Ya-chu’s 3-dimensional installation “Out of Breath” stages an extended exploration of the detailed phenomenon of “Wave Cycle”. “Out of Breath” features 21 identical masks with a flattened or inflated balloon hanging from their mouth parts; obviously, the masks fail to inflate the balloons. This is comparable to people’s inability to cope with the changing society and the volatile, cannibalistic financial world. The 21 masks are divided into 3 groups of 7, representing 3 series distinguishable by globes of differing colors, materials and appearances. Following a 7-day cycle, each of these masks tells a particular emotion, industry and socio-economic and political setting.

People now live in a highly globalized era. The politics and economics of countries are inter-dependent. Financial crisis cannot be contained; rather, it will certainly spread around the world. “Boom and Bust” attempts to mirror the vulnerability in such economic entwinement and the balance between the recoil forces of economic “boom and bust”. The approach adopted is simple and humorous; yet, a serious topic is being discussed and queries are thrown out. In between absurdity and reality, we live in a world where the rational and irrational interact, fragile but unbreakable.

-Art Experience Gallery

Image: © Christian Nicolay and Kang Ya-chu