22/9/2024
In “ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many” at Saatchi Gallery, Yi Chen presented a series of his surprising wall art sculptures Living Organisms Series.
The exhibition “ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many” featured four works by Yi Chen, made in wood and acrylic. Often inspired by his architectural career, many of his pieces resemble avant-garde architectural models and evoke the appearance of living growth cells. He shaped and carved the wood, applying dreamy contrasting colours to the sculpture’s surfaces. The dots and flowing curves in the skin of the sculpture reflect the deep insights behind his creation — the cell’s structure forms an organic order. Chen believes that an independent individual's life form should be an active, organic, living body.
Chen's works do not have a heavy presence; instead, the pieces exhibit a sense of effortless flow, and his sculptures possess a rare elegance in today’s context. His approach to texture appears casual, yet it requires meticulous refinement, resulting in pieces that are both delicate and subtle, infused with a vibrant vitality. Some of his sculptures bear the marks of being gently brushed by waves and winds rather than being deliberately crafted. This seemingly effortless handling looks easy but is actually distilled from the artist's over thirty years of artistic practice. It is perhaps this very ease that evokes a sense of relief, and this may also be the reason why his entire series of works feels so comfortable and pleasing.
Chen's sculptures and his drawings show a striking contrast. In his early drawings, the heavy dark colours and colourless ink wash convey a profound sense of struggle, reflecting an inherent expression of loneliness from his early life. While his drawings depict a powerful image of social reality, the LivingOrganisms Series represents his passionate longing for life and nature. As the exhibition “ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many” seeks to convey to the public, the vitality of diverse communities and the inclusiveness of animated bestiaries bring together the collision of ideas from artists with different cultural backgrounds. Yi Chen's dual identity as an artist and designer allows him to seamlessly integrate systematic aesthetic expressions with space. His works are never homogeneous; they exhibit clear differences and vitality. Yi Chen describes it as if a strange kaleidoscope has opened up before your eyes, revealing a glimpse into the hidden order of nature’s creations. He believes that expressing faith and cherishing the soul through space with undying spirituality is part of its ultimate spiritual journey. This dreamy journey invites viewers to transcend mere appreciation of beauty, urging them to engage in a profound contemplation of their own existence and their connections to the natural world. Through this exploration, Chen not only celebrates the richness of life but also inspires a collective awakening — a reminder of the intricate, interconnected web that binds all living things, encouraging us to recognise the divine spirit within ourselves and in the world around us.
Amid great anticipation, Yi Chen was honoured with the Popularity Achievement Award at the 22nd London Design Festival. Captivating both audiences and judges, Chen stood out in a highly competitive field. This award symbolises the widespread admiration and recognition of Chen’s artwork by both the public and the panel of experts. His artworks reflect his commitment to pushing creative boundaries and his unique vision, which aligns with his belief that both art and design should exist within a pure spiritual realm—free from impurities, with a clear breath, and an unwavering pursuit of faith.
Yi Chen
Yi Chen, born in 1970, graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1994. Currently based in Beijing and Vancouver, he works in various visual arts fields, including architecture, interior design, space installation, and material art. As the co-founder of the "YI+MU" space design firm, Chen has earned significant recognition, including the 'Best of the Best' award in the space category from the German Red Dot Award for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017). His work has also been honoured by the IF Design Award, GermanDesign Award, A' Design Award, and other prestigious international competitions.