Yique's Way — Mutuality in Extremes
The UNSW Judith Nielson Chair of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with Ugly Duck, presents "Yique's Way — Mutuality in Extremes," an innovative exhibition featuring the works of emerging artist Yique. The exhibition will showcase not only his latest work but also archival pieces spanning his early career, including his controversial intervention on the Brick Lane graffiti wall in 2023.
In a bold statement last year, Yique and a collective of artists painted the Brick Lane graffiti wall with characters representing the twelve Chinese socialist core values, creating the "art action" East London Socialist Core Values. The art action sparked intense debate across social media platforms and within the local community. Despite the subsequent covering of the artwork by the Tower Hamlets council, the piece garnered international attention, with coverage from esteemed media outlets such as BBC, The Guardian, ArtNet, CNN, and TimeOut. Renowned artist Ai Wei Wei even praised it as "the most noteworthy work in London."
The exhibition includes seminal works by Yique such as Field Temporary Work Co., Take Break, Get Pay, Perhaps Love, and Apple. Each invites viewers to contemplate the human experience within social constructs and existential realms, thus challenging societal norms and perceptions.
Hailing from China, Yique is recognised for his provocative artistry, often infused with a sense of absurdity. A graduate of the Royal College of Arts, his multidisciplinary approach to art encompasses various media and external elements, delving into the complexities of human consciousness. Beyond his artistic endeavours, Yique has curated and served as creative director for esteemed museums and galleries in Hangzhou, earning him the title of Artist-as-Curator.
"The UNSW Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art is delighted to sponsor and contribute to this exhibition of the work of the artist Yique," says Professor Paul Gladston, Judith Neilson Chair of Contemporary Art. "Yique's work intervenes critically with established discourses and practices across multiple socio-political, cultural and institutional boundaries.
"It demonstrates that culture and society on all sides of those boundaries is subject to pervasive forms of control requiring constant critical checking."
Throughout the duration of the exhibition, attendees can participate in a series of engaging events, including panel discussions, the debut of a documentary film, and captivating performances.
"Yique's Way – Mutuality in Extremes" promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary art and societal discourse, inviting audiences to delve into the complexities of human existence and social ideologies.
