"I aim to pursue a flow that feels'natural' — a deliberate act that seems to unfold unintentionally. It is both a conscious choice and an unconscious natural emergence. This duality grants me freedom and greater possibilities in creation, and I hope viewers can experience varied interpretations and layers within the flat space of my paintings."
— Gao Xintong
BONIAN SPACE is pleased to announce the solo exhibition Blazing Flow by artist Gao Xintong, from December 14, 2024 to January 12, 2025. Curated by Wang Yaoli, the exhibition will feature over ten latest oil paintings by Gao. Through two different forms, abstract and figurative, the works visually awaken the "primal" memories of the collective unconscious, expressing a quest for and exploration of higher human spirituality.
Starting from studies in Italy, Gao's paintings predominantly feature abstract and fluid lines, with vibrant colors that illuminate soft yet bright light and shadows. These elements interweave or collide, as the artist uses his brush to capture the dynamics of "qi (a flowing air that resembles spiritual energy)" in nature, creating an intangible yet palpable energy. It is difficult to determine whether his work depicts a space imbued with the flow of air or the process of air movement shaping the space itself. Gao's abstract paintings reveal his persistent pursuit of "flow"—a non-static visual experience, akin to air moving through space, guiding the viewer toward an intangible yet vivid state of perception. This flow is not merely physical but also spiritual, embodying the natural emergence of nature itself.
During a prior project, an impromptu painting sparked Gao's interest in the gestures and postures of "hands." In Western classical painting, hand gestures often serve as iconic religious symbols, signifying identity or spiritual connotations. Later, a chance reading of The Golden Bough by James George Frazer, a historical chronicle of humanity's spiritual pursuits, rekindled Gao's contemplation of the "collective unconscious." Gao observed keenly how "spirituality" is increasingly overlooked in an era dominated by technological progress and consumer culture. Building on his improvisational hand-themed works, he incorporated symbols of spirituality such as vines, flames, and serpents, creating three figurative paintings titled The Golden Bough. These works invite viewers to revisit humanity's "primal memory" of spirituality, re-examining the profound connections between human and nature, and human and the universe.
The exhibition Blazing Flow takes its title from imaginary, non-existent element, showcasing Gao Xintong's mastery of both abstract and figurative techniques, at the same time, the exhibition explores the response to the rapid development of contemporary society, which is the return of human spirituality. The power of art lies in its ability to transcend the material and touch the spiritual world deep inside the human heart. And in this era, that power is even more important.
