Yeo Shih Yun 墨非 : DEFY INK

Making the Mark

In the midst of an era defined by artificial intelligence's (AI) ever-growing influence, this exhibition opens a gateway to a contemplation of the artistic impulse. With a simple click, AI generates content within seconds, leaving us to wonder about the authenticity of our pursuits. It's a moment where the writer's craft feels threatened, while at the same time, marvel at the responses of AI systems, like Midjourney, to rudimentary prompts. Originality, a cherished virtue in the world of art, is brought into question by this technological advancement.  

Our expedition embarks on a dual enquiry. First, we dive into the nascent years of Shih Yun's art practice, a dynamic process where she challenges the conventional boundaries of ink as a medium. The second path leads us to explore the intricate process of art collecting through the lens of her dedicated patrons. What lies within the process? Of art making, of art collecting?

Shih Yun's work reflects John Cage’s aleatoric approach. She fearlessly navigates unpredictability, employing non-conventional tools in her paintings. The rhythm of spontaneity forges a ground for her imaginative explorations. Ink ceases to be a mere medium; it evolves from a mark to becoming an instrument of her defiance. This spirit of rebellion permeates her art from the very beginning, as she navigates ink's dichotomies on linen—delving into the viscosity of black ink, summoning positive and negative spaces. Composition Alpha echoes a traditional landscape painting with contemporary touch, an element that drew Mr. Koh into its embrace and his extensive art collection of ink and calligraphy works. The delicate equilibrium between 'traditional' and 'contemporary' principles is pivotal. Shih Yun's inspiration from the Western Abstract Expressionists (i.e Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg, Robert Motherwell) inspires her to adopt an unorthodox method in painting yet her works exude an intrinsic 'Eastern' charm. Her seminal work - Conversation with Trees, beautifully straddles the realms of conceptual art, abstract expressionism, and traditional Chinese ink.

Over the past decade, Shih Yun has taken on the technological world with an unyielding spirit. She questions authority and control in her creative process. The K gracefully melds 'chance' and 'control',  with some marks created by the robots to overlay the initial layers painted by the artist. The work unveils a nuanced sensitivity to the interactions between man and machines, coexisting in the creative process.

As we live in a world now dominated by digital experiences, physical paintings stand as timeless relics. They speak of the enduring significance of art collections in physical form. The collectors' anecdotes underscore the pivotal role they play in shaping the ever-evolving art ecosystem. My recent encounter with Marjorie Chu of Art Forum5 broadens the discourse. She urges us to abandon terms like 'collecting' or 'investing' in art as they are better suited for commodities such as ‘collecting newspapers’, while true investment lies in energy and individuality. Her message is unequivocal: "Buy Now!"—a call to action to support art and embrace originality.

墨非: DEFY INK not only redefines the ink medium but also our roles in shaping the art ecosystem. It is an invitation to ponder upon the process – of art making, of art collecting -  through Shih Yun’s spectacle of defying ink with every brushstroke and revelation.  

Online Publication 

Exhibition visual identity and Collaterals designed by &Larry