A solo exhibition by Hao Yuan Cheng.

Friday to Monday 3pm-11pm

Opening Reception : 11th November 2022, Friday from 7pm – 11pm

The genesis of the Wilderness series occurred at the beginning of 2020 as Malaysia entered its first lockdown phase against the pandemic. For the artist, the lockdown took the form of a self-imposed art residency which lasted two years and served as an incubation period for his current artistic practice.

The Wilderness series of paintings was conceptualized as a means of rediscovering and
reintroducing a sense of mystery into the everyday at a time when most avenues of activity and creative outlets were being curtailed and a strict, predictable routine had taken precedence over freedom and movement. The artworks are not figurative in nature and were constructed to meet a number of loosely applied criteria, including depth, dynamism, and spontaneity, drawing on a number of influences from contemporary and historical figures associated with abstraction, including Willem de
Kooning, Kazuo Shiraga, Zao Wou-Ki, Joan Mitchell, Chu Teh-Chun, Lalan, Cecily Brown, blankmalaysia and Ajim Juxta.

About the artist :

Hao Yuan Cheng (b. 1990) is a Penang-based artist and illustrator. His current focus lies in experimentation with abstraction, painting and mixed media, influenced by elements found in nature, architecture, the unique landscape of Penang, fashion, music, and both traditional art and contemporary design trends. His previous exhibitions include the solo exhibitions Jungle Void (2017) and Space Junk (2019) and a number of group shows in Penang, Kuala Lumpur and abroad, including the Kecik-kecik Group Show (2019), Bunnies! (2019) by The Secret Hideout, REKA and Mampu Art Market.
Wilderness (2022) is his third solo exhibition and represents a departure from his previous figurative illustrations and a venture into abstraction and painting, conceived over two years in the midst of the pandemic.