New Works by JUstin Lee & Shih Yun Yeo + Cryptoflora Collaboration Series
Justin lee & Shih Yun Yeo
2024 APR 03 - 30 | Wednesday - Friday ,1PM - 7PM. Saturday - Sunday, 1PM - 6PM.
39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065
brief
This exhibition showcases three distinct series: Without rules, there are no Boundaries by local artist Justin Lee, New works on paper by local artist Shih Yun Yeo and their recent collaboration series on paper and canvases “CryptoFlora” created in 2023.
Drawing inspiration from the intricate dance of nature and technology, this series celebrates the concept of CryptoFlora, where the resilient blockchain ecosystem thrives akin to the delicate yet enduring beauty of blooming flowers.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and speculative fervor, the CryptoFlora Collaboration Series serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the transient nature of innovation. Much like the ephemerality of petals in bloom, the series prompts reflection on the sustainability and longevity of blockchain technology—raising poignant questions about its potential lifespan and enduring legacy.
Within this collaborative venture, Shih Yun's contemporary design sensibilities seamlessly intertwine with Lee's iconic artistic style, resulting in a captivating fusion of modern aesthetics and timeless traditions. Will blockchain technology remain a perennial force reshaping economies, or will it succumb to the natural cycle of innovation, making way for new paradigms to emerge? Only time will tell.
Inspired by the Chinese proverb '不以规则，不能成方圆' , the new series ‘Without rules, there are no Boundaries.’ monoprints by Justin Lee delves into the interplay of lines, shapes, colors, and gestural marks, transcending the confines of visual reality. Each abstract, organic form within the series serves as a vessel for evocative narratives; perhaps resembling a rugged rock face or emanating the vibrant energy of transformation.
As Justin Lee navigates the digital age, his practice is a testament to both devotion and conflict. While he ardently engages in the act of creation, seeking to communicate through the language of dots, lines, and shapes, there exists a profound struggle between pleasure and discord. This tension, inherent in his process, defies complete articulation through conventional language, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of interpretation and introspection.
In her old studio at Herencia in 2022, Shih Yun bids farewell to a chapter of her creative journey with the completion of her quadriptych series, “ Infinite Green’. Executed in her signature bold and dynamic style, these pieces pulsate with energy, capturing the essence of movement with every brushstroke. Through the juxtaposition of tradition and innovation, Shih Yun invites viewers to contemplate the rich tapestry of artistic expression, finding beauty in both the understated elegance of her ink paintings and the vibrant intensity of her quadriptych.
In November 2023, Yeo Shih Yun embarked on a three-week retreat to the tranquil landscapes of Itoshima, Japan. Amidst this serene backdrop, she meticulously crafted a series of works on paper, each stroke a testament to her profound admiration for the timeless interplay of ink and paper. With a restrained palette and humble brushes, she explored the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity, infusing each piece with a sense of meditative tranquility.
In both series, Shih Yun's artistic vision shines through, transcending mere visual representation to evoke a profound sense of emotion and contemplation.
BIO of Featuring artists
Yeo Shih Yun (1976, Singapore) is a highly regarded Singaporean artist whose innovative approach to ink painting has garnered international acclaim. After obtaining a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the National University of Singapore in 1998, Yeo pursued a Diploma in Communication Design at LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts in 2001, followed by the Post Baccalaureate Programme in painting at the San Francisco Art Institute in 2002. Yeo's experimental fusion of traditional ink painting with contemporary mediums such as new media and performance art has resulted in dynamic and unpredictable works that challenge conventional notions of the medium.
Website: https://www.shihyunyeo.com
Instagram: @shihyunpaints_
Singaporean artist Justin Lee is a visual artist and designer. He has participated in numerous artist-in-residence programmes in Japan (Fukuoka, Studio Kura-2012/14, Itoshima Art Farm-2014, and Tokyo Youko-bo-2013). He was trained at the Tyler Print Institute in New York and has participated in numerous exhibitions held in Singapore and internationally. His works also reflect on words and images from the mass media like signage, billboards, and consumer products which control our thoughts and expression.
Website: https://nitsuj.art
Instagram: @newjustinlee
