As a child in Dashishan Village, southern China, Tang Shuo grappled with a fear of snakes amidst the fertile landscapes farmed by his family. In a striking new painting, he portrays himself daringly holding a sleek, black serpent. This piece marks part of his approach to exploring ancestry through art, a focus that permeates “Borrowed History,” his inaugural solo showcase in New York.
The Cultural Exploration: The New York Event
Returning to his roots, Tang Shuo delves into his familial and cultural heritage, questioning how these aspects shape identity. Utilizing photographs of himself, he crafts ancestral portraits depicting various historic roles akin to his ancestors. Among them, “The Migrant” is burdened with a small sack, and “The Settler” grapples with a tree trunk amid scattered tools and bones.
His paintings, infused with magical realism and inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” creatively reimagine ancestral lives. Forests brimming with life and pastel clouds envelop each scene, forging connections across generations and asserting nature as a binding element to his heritage. This art showcase allows visitors to witness these vivid portrayals personally.
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Despite their fictional narrative, Tang views his work as a testament to disappearing worlds. Once home to over two hundred residents, Dashishan Village now hosts only a dozen or so. Tang Shuo diligently documents its stories, aiming to publish a comprehensive history that he refers to as his “own bible.”
“Borrowed History” is on display from October 8 to November 7 at Plato Gallery. Discover more of Tang Shuo’s compelling work on his Instagram.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
What themes does Tang Shuo explore in his New York exhibition?
Tang Shuo explores ancestry and identity through art, depicting his familial and cultural heritage. He uses photographs and magical realism to craft ancestral portraits and creatively reimagine ancestral lives.
How does Tang Shuo depict himself handling his childhood fear?
In his painting, Tang Shuo portrays himself daringly holding a sleek, black serpent, which represents his childhood fear of snakes.
Where and when is Tang Shuo’s ‘Borrowed History’ exhibition held?
‘Borrowed History’ is displayed at Plato Gallery from October 8 to November 7.