Xu Peng — Hong Kong Impressions
16 August – 14 September 2008
|
Press Release |
English and Chinese languageSelected Works
CPU:798 gallery is delighted to present the first solo show of work of Nanjing-based photographer Xu Peng. In his extended series, Hong Kong Impressions, Xu Peng presents his fleeting visions of Hong Kong through the lens of his Lomo camera.
Xu Peng’s photography presents his vision of the city, through multiple fleeting fragments of the layered accretions that make up the social environment particular to Hong Kong after it’s return.
From the idealism of the spaces of corporate architecture, to the day to day realities of roadworks and advertising, Xu Peng captures the briefest of moments, with the lightest of touches. After the event, colour and light become major players in the images, overwhelming us with bursts of ultra-intense photographic pigment.
Written before Xu Peng’s exhibition
Ai WeiWei said the artist Shuyong would not enter art history, but I think what Ai WeiWei said would then refer to the majority of China’s contemporary artists!
I know Xu Peng because of Lomo. He is a lover of Lomo photography. Xu Peng and I are in contact often, because I go to Nanjing to work, and we often meet up for various reasons.
In 2007, Xu Peng asked me if I could participate in an exhibition. He is so open and honest so I was looking forward to seeing his works. He prepared some materials carefully, and also sent some through the internet. I was astonished by his pictures. His work is unsystematic, its colours and compositions are strange, especially his series of Hong Kong – the architecture, empty spaces, calm clouds. All these elements are telling the mysterious story of Hong Kong post-’97. Of course, they are all the subjective photographs.
I am very glad to see that Xu Peng will exhibit his works in CPU:798, because I think this kind of artist should be encouraged. He has his work and career, and art is simply an option for him. Some of the contemporary artists work for profit, but Xu is different, just like the cloud above the sea, when the sun comes out, it evaporates.
Li Zhenhua
17 August 2008, Nanjing
Biography
Xu Peng lives and works in Nanjing, China. For further information, see the artist’s page on this website.
Gallery Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday, 13:00–18:00 (closed Monday)
(or by appointment)
Contact
Edward Sanderson
Tel/Fax: +86 13621078560
Email: cpu798@gmail.com