Pao-Leng KUNG Solo Exhibition “Offbeat”

"The idea of Offbeat embodies the meanings of both action and entity as envisioned in the creation process. It includes the transportation and manipulation of materials, the activities of the creator, the rhythm and tempo of the viewer's experience, and the unfolding comprehension of the layers, materials, and space as a piece is observed." – Pao-Leng KUNG

Offbeat is the creative inspiration for this exhibition and is also integral to the process of creating a series of flat paintings: KUNG first applies paint to a palette, allowing it to dry before transferring it to linoleum. This method prolongs the painting process, giving the material a deliberate delay before it touches the object's surface. It reflects the continual actions and behaviors in the creative process, expanding layers of spatial realms on a relatively flat plane. Similarly, once the paint dries and becomes a film, its transplantation to a new surface creates a layered record of plastic materials, capturing different time sequences and forms. These processes not only prolong and broaden the dimensions of creation but also amplify the viewer's perceptual gap between the materials and the artwork. 

The primary materials used in these works are linoleum blocks, commonly used for printmaking. This material can be carved or hollowed out. When dried paint is applied to it, it conforms to the contours created by the areas I have carved. 

 

I consider painting as an object and envision the spatial limits it can occupy: how it can transform into a space of its own, what the painting encompasses and occupies...

In determining the size of the works, KUNG opted for dimensions that mirror commonly seen objects in daily life, such as books, mobile phone screens, and documents, whose sizes are familiar and relatable to viewers. Similarly, when exhibiting these smaller works, preserving some empty space and the texture of the space itself is advantageous, including the strategic arrangement of the space layout. This helps manage the flow of viewers, allowing for rhythmic movement and thoughtful pauses within the exhibition space. 

When considering the materials and elements of painting, KUNG typically concentrates on the space, texture, and color inherent to the object itself. She incorporates a multitude of mass-produced found items that may exhibit subtle color variations or differences, hoping to manifest the natural handmade quality within the artworks. For instance, the installation piece Spectrum at the entrance of the gallery space features a base of transparent mesh adorned with earplugs and metal chains. From a distance, its actual dimensions and boundaries are difficult to discern, making the colored earplugs appear to be pointillistically scattered across the wall. KUNG describes this as "overlaying lattice color blocks with a bitmap or pixelated effect, inviting viewers to reimagine the colors in their minds." KUNG's work frequently diverges entirely from the object's original function, focusing solely on exploring the material's potential within the realm of painting. 

These pieces, composed of hardware or building materials, stem from the artist's exploration of various spatial dimensions and home settings. She infuses her work with her imagination and philosophy for houses, containers, and ideal human living, seeking to uncover the concealed dimensions within spaces and transform the unique textures of objects into a new spatial fabric. When found objects are removed from the context of their intended functions, KUNG focuses on and explores how these objects are identified and interpreted, and whether they can assume new functions and form new spaces. 

The Sample series, mainly consisting of building materials collected by KUNG and organized into color blocks, features elongated pieces with a focus on the coordination of tones and textures. In creating this series, KUNG concentrates on the textures and colors of found objects within the paintings to build the structure of each piece. For instance, bumpy surface utilizes materials akin to traffic signs and employs a variety of similar surface materials for its construction. A shared characteristic in the series is the base being mounted with a layer of various colored cutting sheets, whether matte or glossy, setting the foundation of each piece. 

At Pao-Leng KUNG's solo exhibition Offbeat, the artworks vividly demonstrate the transportation and manipulation of materials, the actions of the creator, beginning with abstract painting and encapsulating the artist's production process. As viewers engage with the works, they will gradually perceive the material and spatial dimensions, and simultaneously witness the nuanced and rich chemistry between material and space. 

Pao-Leng KUNG Solo Exhibition Offbeat

Opening: June 8, 2024丨3-5pm

Date: June 8 - July 6, 2024

Address: ESLITE GALLERY∣B1, No. 88, Yanchang Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110055, Taiwan (eslite spectrum Songyan Store)

Opening Hours: 11am-7pm, Tuesday – Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday)