EVENT DESCRIPTION
gdm Hong Kong is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Wu Shan, featuring a curated selection of lacquer paintings and ink works created between 2012 and 2025. Recognized as a leading figure in contemporary lacquer art in China, Wu Shan has devoted himself to an in-depth exploration of the medium’s visual language, regarding lacquer as an embodiment of profound cultural resonance and conceptual richness. Through the meticulous process of layering and the passage of time, his works trace subtle trajectories of emotion and thought, crystallizing into tangible forms.
Wu Shan’s early works reveal the influence of Cubism, yet his later practice evolved into a more refined visual language that probes the relationship between material, line, and spirituality. Line occupies a central role, approached in a manner reminiscent of Baimiao, the traditional Chinese ink technique of fine line drawing. Each line and layer of color emerges from deliberate reflection and time, sustaining a quiet yet enduring visual tension.
In recent works, Wu Shan has drawn titles from Kunqu repertoires, the oldest form of Chinese opera. Its lyrical melodies and delicate gestures resonate with his refined lines. Without direct explanation, the titles guide viewers toward rhythm and association, while his paintings, echoing Kunqu’s pauses and tonal turns, embody restraint and subtlety, hinting at emotions hidden beneath the surface.
Against the excess and relentless pace of contemporary life, Wu Shan asserts minimalism as resistance. His refined lines and restrained palette embody patience and discipline, stripping away the superfluous to reveal only essential forms and emotions.
