Gao Hang Presents 'My Bad Ideas' at Pulpo Gallery
On view in Germany until October 29.
Following his recent exhibition in Spain, rising Chinese artist Gao Hang returns with a new solo show at Pulpo Gallery in Germany.
My Bad Ideas follows Hang’s penchant for humor, as each of his paintings have been equated by the artist as his form of “standup comedy.” For those unfamiliar, Hang’s aesthetic can be equated to seeing a ’90s video game graphic in a fluorescent airbrush-like application. While his depictions often vary from largely featureless characters to 2-bit stacks of money, his compositions discreetly examine and comment on humankind’s precarious habits and need for instant gratification.
“My recent paintings are concerned with image ‘definition’ in digital graphics, especially those from the last 20 years, said Hang in a statement. “I understand digital graphics as 21st century ‘found objects’. I am interested in objects that are bathing in modern technology’s greatness, while exposing a certain rawness, oddity, or awkwardness. When I first encountered 3D modeling and graphic rendering in computer games in the late 20th century, I was totally shocked.”
“From the last 20 years, I was inspired by the fact that how graphical spectaculars could end up being rawness and ridicule in the digital image evolution. However, it is that rawness and ridicule that triggers the same creative impulse with what the painting process can offer. The effect is an actual physical feedback during process: could be surprise, a shifting attitude, a more extreme emotion – my secretions as a human being. I want my practice to simulate a modern production method, but with a high fault tolerance,” he added.
From whimsical pieces, such as Congratulations Loser (2021), to more slapstick paintings, like Your Dad in Metaverse (2022), Hang’s work will certainly stop one in their tracks — whether for a cheap laugh or a deeper reflection.
My Bad Ideas will be on view at Pulpo Gallery until October 29.
For more on art, Richard Colman presents Sometimes it’s a Flower, Sometimes it’s a Weed.
Pulpo Gallery
Obermarkt 51
82418 Murnau am Staffelsee
Germany
