WEI LIGANG (b. 1964, Shanxi, China)
“I very much like unfamiliar areas and crowds. Like thirsty horses running towards the spring water, I am inspired by the fresh air and nourishment which is a nice change for me from a numbing routine. Of course, the city in which the artist resides must be vast and multi-directional to ignite the creative fire. Yogyakarta is a dream-like realm of an emperor. I was curious about visiting volcanoes, palaces, pagodas, brooks, paddy fields, old streets and eating delicacies, so my creative desire was great. This encouraged me to incorporate contemporary customs into my work.”
EXCERPTS FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH WEI LIGANG AND JAMES PAGE
WEI LIGANG visited Yogya Art Lab in 2017, and discovered a wide range of inspirations including the colours of the tropical scenery, the patterns of batik fabrics, bronze artifacts from the Jogja National Museum, the local food and music, Borobudur and the ancient architecture of the region.
Wei Ligang visited Yogya Art Lab in 2017, and discovered a wide range of inspirations including the colours of the tropical scenery, the patterns of batik fabrics, bronze artifacts from the Jogja National Museum, the local food and music, Borobudur and the ancient architecture of the region.
In his residency, Wei moved beyond traditional Chinese calligraphy, which is usually monochrome, utilising traditional ink as well as bright colors of gold, red, green and blue in acrylic and oil paint to increase the substance and texture of his marks on paper and canvas. Wei also had the opportunity to experiment with novel materials, particularly bronze and locally made paper.
孔雀·珠翠 PEACOCK JADES OF PEARL (Detail)
2017
Oil paint on canvas
200 x 200 cm
“Yogyakarta is a city situated between tradition and modernization. The city has an ancient history, peppered with majestic pagodas throughout the area, and a beautiful universe compatible with other countries. But at the same time, the city also has very modern galleries, palaces with dignified and towering walls, and even authentic French restaurants.”
AZAN YOGA
2017
Chinese Ink on Bamboo and Banana Leaf Fibre Paper
180 x 204cm
孔雀·珠翠 PEACOCK JADES OF PEARL
2017
Oil paint on canvas
200 x 200 cm
You hear the croaking frogs in the paddy fields, have an indigenous meal in the candlelight, return to the tropical hotel late at night and sit alone in the wooden pavilion. The bricked pagoda is radiating light, the sound of flowing water can be heard; I have gathered enough inspiration to create more works
EXCERPTS FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH WEI LIGANG AND JAMES PAGE