Exhibition exploring culture of hip-hop
Hip-hop owes its beginnings to a particular time and place, but as it has traveled across the oceans, its state has inevitably been altered. Nowadays, the form of art has derived its own originality and authenticity to the area where it is practiced and lived.
The duo exhibition, "Altered State: Deciphering Urban in the Art of Chen Xuanrong and Huang Yulong, " on display at Art+ Shanghai Gallery features works of two artists, with Chen at 27 and Huang 35 -- almost a 10-year gap in age difference.
Influenced by hip-hop, or what we interchangeably call "street culture," Chen’s acrylic on canvas incorporate the graffiti styles that he has collected during his travels alongside his own style of writing and stickers. Some works give you an impression that the wall has become a battlefield for styles between several graffiti artists.
There are chaotic renderings of vandals left in a hurry on walls, making them look unique and personal. And there are pushy stencils of ads with phone numbers lurking through the doors, and sometimes public bathrooms.
Graffiti by Chen Xuanrong, acrylics on canvas
In his work, Chen outlines an urban setting that is more up-to-date with the period of diversity and integration, confusion and uncertainty.
As part of the "only child" generation born in the 1980s, Huang's coming of age was strongly influenced by the global pop culture during the economic boom after China's reform and opening-up.
A graduate of the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute in Jiangxi Province, Chen is good at combining his fascination with pottery with the material world.He works in a variety of media ranging from traditional porcelain, glass or bronze with crystals.
To him, the hip-hop culture he often portrays, the hoodies and bling, is a state of being and a way of life.
"Be My Side" by Huang Yulong, aluminium bronze
Exhibition details
Date: Through December 30 (closed on Mondays), 10am-7pm
Venue: Art+ Shanghai Gallery
Address: 191 Nansuzhou Rd
