Mandy Zhang Art is thrilled to showcase a solo presentation by Chinese artist Jin Han (b.1991) at Art SG. This exhibition features Jin Han's latest series, which has been specially created for Art SG, encompassing both oil paintings and woodcuts that delve into the theme of "Aether." This concept is inspired by the classical "five elements theory" articulated by Aristotle, identifying aether as the quintessential fifth element alongside water, fire, air, and earth.
Jin Han draws from varying historical understandings of ‘Aether, ’such as cosmology, metaphysics, spatial thinking, and modern science. These different theories of ‘Aether’ coalesce in their acknowledgement of a disembodied matter that serves as the ground for the emergence of intangible phenomena, ranging from particles to human consciousness. Taking this as his point of departure, Jin Han embarks on an artistic enquiry that seeks to uncover the multiple forms of ‘Aether’, its origin and destination, and the way it is connected to the expanse of the universe.
This series marks a continuation of Jin’s engagement with universal themes through a deeply personal lens. From large-sized paintings to small-scaled woodcuts, his works display organic forms that invade the surface, soaking and revealing the textural picture plane. The flowing paint bleeds across sections, melting different subjects into each other. Jin’s seamless integration of the macro and micro, the figurative and the abstract, and positive and negative space, reflects his dual approach to creating work. The artist simultaneously harnesses the rational and the sensual by borrowing the visual imagery of scientific precision tools such as microscopes, telescopes, and weather satellites to craft colourful nebulae. The resulting images invite viewers to meditate on the poetic potential of scientific thought.
Yet, Jin poignantly acknowledges that some existential questions may forever elude our grasp. His art suggests that the true beauty lies not in the answers, but in the journey of seeking them. This pursuit, fueled by a romantic longing and an insatiable curiosity, defines the essence of his creations. In celebrating this continuous exploration, Jin Han captures the poetic and sublime nature of the human spirit’s quest for understanding, making the process itself a celebration of human endeavour and imagination.
