This solo exhibition focuses mainly on one series of photographs recently made in Wang Jing Park. Every spring day the parks of Beijing are flooded with soon to be newly weds, camera crews, fake props, flowing gowns, and make up artists turning the parks into a massive theater set. There is no solace or reprieve for the other park visitors, as the parks are commandeered and nature turned into a backdrop for the blissful blushing brides and grooms. Deng Tai has placed himself like a lamppost or an uninvited guest into the scenery of the wedding couples.

Half naked, solitary, strangely wrapped in a swarm of cassette tape, often times obscuring his identity, unnoticed, ignored, he calmly stands with a gaze of mysterious longing for some greater meaning to it all. The absurdity of the narrative is comical but underneath lies tremendous pathos, as Deng Tai has explained that much of his work is born out of “the shadows in my heart.”

Deng Tai

Deng Tai’s life and ambition is a lesson for us all and any young aspiring artist who thinks they cannot make it or do not have the finances to attend one the prominent art schools in China or abroad. Taitai was one of those young artists. From a marketing student in a small Chengdu university to realizing his dream on the stage of Beijing, he struggled to find a place for himself in the fast paced Chinese contemporary art world. By constantly observing his surroundings, trying every idea and creative avenue he could find, he finally realized through the camera that he was his art. Life was a performance for Deng Tai.  Wherever he went and whatever he did held the possibility of transcendence and dream. He was fearless in his actions, forever pushing limits to discover and express his innermost longings, fears, and joys. Always a child and always a teacher he naturally instructed those around him in how to live life honestly and with abandon.

His untimely death, 2012 July 5, is still a shock to all who knew him. His loss is great even at the young age of 24. It is with special gratitude to his life and honor for us that Telescope is able to exhibit for the first time the photos of a very deserving artist, Deng Tai.

TELESCOPE

Telescope {artist studio} is a non-profit styled project space located in Cao Chang Di, Beijing. Its aim is to serve the emerging artists and art communities of China by providing exhibition, curatorial, writing, and mentoring opportunities in its gallery space.  Founded by James Elaine, US artist and curator, Telescope will also be a cultural bridge providing exposure and opportunities for China’s emerging artists abroad.

Telescope’s inaugural exhibition, “Untitled: Outside,” will present a solo show and the first exhibition of the work of Beijing artist Deng Tai.

Telescope is supported by a grant from the Metabolic Studio, Los Angeles, and by the assistance of Beam Contemporary Art, New York, London.