Apocalypse: Current Location of Creation and Destruction
mjk-staffLi Can Chen
Designated as the era of humanity, it is named the "Anthropocene." This term refers to the period when humanity began to have a significant impact on the Earth and ecosystems. Since the Industrial Revolution, the effects of deforestation and climate change caused by humanity have been excessively substantial, and today's capitalism shows no signs of slowing down. How should we perceive the current state of capitalism in profound confusion, its anthropocentric debates, and their outcomes?
The artist Li explores the relationship between nature and humanity from the current state of capitalism with a sharp gaze. His works combine abstract images with emotional expressions, bringing forth themes such as the transience of existence and the disappearance of matter.
Destruction is said to be the catalyst for creation, a fundamental interpretation rooted in the principles of nature, and it is also one of the approaches evident in Li's exploratory approach to painting. Utilizing the fluidity and randomness of water-based paints, images are deconstructed, decomposed, and eventually emerge in a state between existence and disappearance. This approach, challenging the dominance of reason, reveals an evolving world where the spiritual and the perceptual interact.
While delving into the self, Li simultaneously directs his gaze towards society. The leaps of imagination extend beyond the relationship between nature and humanity, reaching into the existence of God in the spiritual realm. Describing the real world as insignificant, Li expresses his desire to represent it as much as possible, capturing traces of bodily movements, destruction using the strokes of the brush, and other elements in his artwork. His attempt to express the spirituality of the self and society is reminiscent of a prophetic vision, suggesting hints for the future society.
Li Canchen
Born in China in 1995, Artist based in Tokyo
Master's degree in Fine Arts, Tama Art University Graduate School (Oil Painting)
Currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program, Tama Art University Graduate School
Exhibition
2021 Charity Biennale Small Works Exhibition
2022 "Water and Oil Exhibition" Group Exhibition
2022 Solo Exhibition "Modern Fossil"
2022 Tokyo Gomi Koryu Exhibition
2022 "Experimental Exhibition"
2023 Tama Art University In-house Exhibition
2023 Solo Exhibition "Magician of the Comet"
2023 Tokyo National Art Museum Gomi Daigou Union Exhibition
2023 TAMABI in Asia Group Exhibition
2023 "HOCUS POCUS CIRCUS" Group Exhibition
Awards
2021 Chotei GALLERY Juried Exhibition
2021 TURNER AWARD Juried Exhibition Future Prize
2022 MONSTER Exhibition Juried Exhibition 2022
2022 1st FEI PURO ART AWARD Juried Exhibition
2022 SHIBUYA AWARDS 2022 Juried Exhibition
2023 2nd FEI PURO ART AWARD Kyuryudo Award Juried Exhibition