Releasing From Life & Paradigm-Ying-Yu Lin Solo Exhibition simultaneously takes place both inside and outside MOCA, Taipei, and includes 12 paintings and 15 sets of sculptures. The eight sculptures of The Tetrapod Goddess on the plaza are inspired by the tetrapods often seen at sea shores that act as armor units on breakwaters. The artworks symbolize the protection of earth, stopping of evil and granting of blessing, and are created by the artist in remembrance of the disastrous Typhoon Morakot that traumatized Taiwan on August 8th, 2009. At the entrance of MOCA Studio is where another sculpture of the garden goddess is placed. This urban goddess has a headful of blooming spinning neon lights, as her voluptuous, alabaster body is transformed into a visual theater with vibrant colors. Upon entering inside, the audience is greeted by A Drifting Life that celebrates the vital goddess of Formosa and large scale paintings, such as Formosa Island that depicts the bio-diversity and energy in Taiwan. Along with several bizarre and imaginative sculptures, the exhibition is like a lively and magnificent tropic carnival as well as a microcosm of Taiwan’s life force and social diversity.

With his art, which comes from the exploration of irrational forces embedded in his personal subconscious, Lin attempts to confront and subvert the rational hegemony in the contemporary social system. In his art, bizarre spirituality is transformed into forces of transcendence and salvation. Only through the “release” of conventional perceptions could art reflect the value of “life.” To create art is, therefore, a form of self-release—to release one’s utilitarianism and to be reborn spiritually. In the midst of the noisy real world filled with absurd and jaded people, Releasing From Life & Paradigm-Ying-Yu Lin Solo Exhibition is Lin’s personal take on how he returns to a pure, youthful, and vibrant self through art.

image © Ying-Yu Lin

Courtesy of MOCA, Taipei