A progression into the matters of the Flesh.
[Image taken on 27th October 2022 at art commune gallery.]
Greed. Consumption. Violence.
These are the themes that are conveyed in Wong Keen's first major installation, 'Forest', at the artcommune gallery.The exhibition is the latest installment of Wong Keen's Flesh series, which draws a parallel between the ever-growing demand for animal meat and the oppressive ensnarement of humans in a consumeristic, capitalist society. Through his work, Wong Keen examines the significance of flesh, highlighting how animals are raised only to be butchered for consumption, while humans are similarly objectified and oppressed by a society that values consumption above all else.
In 'Forest', Wong Keen's paintings are brought to life through a sculptural approach that immerses viewers even further into the artist's world. The artist skillfully paints rice paper with acrylics, then carves the paper to create the appearance of butchered meat and the human form. These works are arranged in rows and suspended on a hand-built wooden structure, which contrasts with the pristine white space of the gallery. The overall effect is reminiscent of a butcher's shop, inviting viewers to engage with Keen's unique perspective.
In addition to his newer 3D works, Wong Keen's older pieces from the hamburger series are also on display, framed and providing a striking contrast that speaks to the evolution of the artist's inquiry and creative process. Visitors are invited to walk amidst his butchered meat paper sculptures, which evoke a sense of gloom that hangs overhead, amplifying the themes of consumption and violence that run throughout his work.
In this exhibition, Wong Keen skillfully conveys his message through a combination of his powerful paintings and the exhibition space itself. While his paintings alone would have been effective in communicating his themes, the juxtaposition of his brutal and violent works against the pristine white space of the gallery adds another layer of depth and conversation for the audience. The resulting effect is one of discomfort and jarring realism, akin to the ways in which the horrors of the world are often hidden from view in our society, allowing us to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths.
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