TKG+ Projects is pleased to present (flare-s), an exhibition of new paintings and animation by artist Chen Ching-Yuan. 

The title of the exhibition (flare-s) is synonymous to the titles of the oil paintings series as well as the animation. Flare, as a verb, is to shine and to burn quickly, or even to become excited suddenly. In the noun form, flare is a light that shines brightly and briefly, or a light signal that attracts attention for help. Chen purposely chose this English term for its versatile yet meaningful implications that resonate with his new works.

Intimate in its setting, this exhibition is a departure from Chen’s 2011 solo exhibition, Staggering Matter, which showcased an impressive multimedia presentation. This time, Chen visualizes his thoughts on national politics and internal reflection of self within the realms of self-identity and bodily imagination. In the animation, figures can be seen standing on little boats, afloat the sea in the dark night. Flashes and flickers of light are sent off to call for help. In contrast to the ambiguity in paintings, the animation suggests a more telling interpretation of the centralizing concept, that this may be a celebration as well as a rescue call for help.

*image (left)
© Chen Ching-Yuan
courtesy of the artist and TKG+