Blame the Blazing Sun, Oil on canvas, 200 x 180 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
Tang Contemporary Art Seoul will host a solo exhibition by artist Wang You titled Blame the Blazing Sun, running from February 7 to March 15, 2025. Known for her background as a ballet dancer, Wang You brings a unique perspective to her paintings, treating the act of painting as a physical extension of self-expression, much like dance. Through this exhibition, she delves into the relationship between body and gesture, using movement as a medium to explore identity and human emotions.
Wang You's paintings are deeply personal, yet they invite the audience into an immersive experience. Some of her works focus on themes of love, memory, and human relationships, engaging the viewer in a profound emotional dialogue. By using her body as a tool for artistic expression, she merges painting, dance, and theater into a singular creative language, offering a fresh perspective on self-exploration.
The exhibition’s title, Blame the Blazing Sun, is inspired by Albert Camus' The Stranger, referencing the phrase, “It was all because of the sun.” This statement reflects the absurdity and unpredictability of human existence—an idea that resonates deeply with Wang You’s artistic philosophy. The artist continuously seeks light in the solitude of her studio, using it as a metaphor for self-discovery and connection with the world. Through her paintings, she examines hidden emotions and the complexities of human existence, inviting the audience to experience her introspective journey.
The Lost Years, Acrylic on canvas, 180 x 180 cm, 2023, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
A striking example of her thematic exploration is The Lost Years (2023), where chance encounters between individuals transcend the ordinary, becoming transformative experiences. Love, in her paintings, is not merely an emotion but a force that shapes and redefines personal narratives. Her works often appear as theatrical performances on canvas, infused with movement, tension, and dramatic composition.
In her Where Your Gaze Touches series (2024), Wang You challenges the boundaries between the artwork and the observer. These paintings actively engage the viewer’s gaze, blurring the distinction between the canvas and reality. By extending the psychological depth of her figures, she explores themes of longing, uncertainty, and the pursuit of permanence in art.
Born in 1988 in China, Wang You studied directing at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, graduating in 2009. Having grown up in Shenzhen and currently based in Beijing, her work is characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a seamless blend of abstraction and figuration. Her artistic approach, reminiscent of film montage techniques, juxtaposes different moments in time and space, creating a dreamlike narrative.
Where Your Gaze Touches No.4, Acrylic on canvas, 160 x 140 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
Wang You’s art delves into the intricate emotional landscapes of contemporary society, reflecting on desire, anxiety, and vulnerability. Her background in ballet profoundly influences her work, capturing the strength and fragility of the human body. This is particularly evident in her paintings of dancers beyond the stage, where she portrays their introspective moments and silent struggles. Through a complex and layered storytelling approach, she invites the audience to engage with her art on a deeply emotional level.
The exhibition is open to the public without reservations or admission fees. The opening reception, attended by Wang You herself, will take place on February 7 at 4 PM, offering visitors a rare opportunity to interact with the artist and explore the inspirations behind her work.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com
Blame the Blazing Sun, Oil on canvas, 200 x 180 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
Tang Contemporary Art Seoul will host a solo exhibition by artist Wang You titled Blame the Blazing Sun, running from February 7 to March 15, 2025. Known for her background as a ballet dancer, Wang You brings a unique perspective to her paintings, treating the act of painting as a physical extension of self-expression, much like dance. Through this exhibition, she delves into the relationship between body and gesture, using movement as a medium to explore identity and human emotions.
Wang You's paintings are deeply personal, yet they invite the audience into an immersive experience. Some of her works focus on themes of love, memory, and human relationships, engaging the viewer in a profound emotional dialogue. By using her body as a tool for artistic expression, she merges painting, dance, and theater into a singular creative language, offering a fresh perspective on self-exploration.
The exhibition’s title, Blame the Blazing Sun, is inspired by Albert Camus' The Stranger, referencing the phrase, “It was all because of the sun.” This statement reflects the absurdity and unpredictability of human existence—an idea that resonates deeply with Wang You’s artistic philosophy. The artist continuously seeks light in the solitude of her studio, using it as a metaphor for self-discovery and connection with the world. Through her paintings, she examines hidden emotions and the complexities of human existence, inviting the audience to experience her introspective journey.
The Lost Years, Acrylic on canvas, 180 x 180 cm, 2023, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
A striking example of her thematic exploration is The Lost Years (2023), where chance encounters between individuals transcend the ordinary, becoming transformative experiences. Love, in her paintings, is not merely an emotion but a force that shapes and redefines personal narratives. Her works often appear as theatrical performances on canvas, infused with movement, tension, and dramatic composition.
In her Where Your Gaze Touches series (2024), Wang You challenges the boundaries between the artwork and the observer. These paintings actively engage the viewer’s gaze, blurring the distinction between the canvas and reality. By extending the psychological depth of her figures, she explores themes of longing, uncertainty, and the pursuit of permanence in art.
Born in 1988 in China, Wang You studied directing at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, graduating in 2009. Having grown up in Shenzhen and currently based in Beijing, her work is characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a seamless blend of abstraction and figuration. Her artistic approach, reminiscent of film montage techniques, juxtaposes different moments in time and space, creating a dreamlike narrative.
Where Your Gaze Touches No.4, Acrylic on canvas, 160 x 140 cm, 2024, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
Wang You’s art delves into the intricate emotional landscapes of contemporary society, reflecting on desire, anxiety, and vulnerability. Her background in ballet profoundly influences her work, capturing the strength and fragility of the human body. This is particularly evident in her paintings of dancers beyond the stage, where she portrays their introspective moments and silent struggles. Through a complex and layered storytelling approach, she invites the audience to engage with her art on a deeply emotional level.
The exhibition is open to the public without reservations or admission fees. The opening reception, attended by Wang You herself, will take place on February 7 at 4 PM, offering visitors a rare opportunity to interact with the artist and explore the inspirations behind her work.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of Tang Gallery
