Golden Horizon [Exhibition]

This Exhibition by Yu Hong, took place from September 13 to September 24, 2011 at the Shanghai Art Museum. This exhibition followed her two most well known ones "In and Out of Time" (Guangdong Museum of Fine Art, 2009) and "Golden Sky" (Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, 2010). "Golden Horizon" is composed of 29 paintings divided into 3 sections. These pieces preserve those fleeting moments of affection in her day to day life on her gold foiled canvases. 

First Section: The two main works are "Ladder to the Sky" (2008) and Romance of Spring (2008). Ladder to the Sky is a 6 meter high painting related to the divine ascension, but Yu Hong features ordinary people instead. Romance of the Spring, spans 12 meters and is influenced by the classical Chinese Dynasty painting "The Court Ladies preparing New Woven Silk". She depicts each figure with individual strength and spirit. 

"Ladder to the Sky" (2008)

"Romance of Spring" (2008)

Second Section: This section consists of four major frescoes paintings including "Atrium" (2010), "Questions for Heaven" (2010), "Natural Selection" (2010) and "Sky Curtain". These paintings are influenced by the italian fresco paintings depicting the triumphs of Hercules, a Buddhists cave painting in Dunhuang's Mogao Grottoes, a small etching by Francisco Goya and a cave painting in Kizil, Xinjiang. The paintings are displayed on the ceiling as a way to stay true to the italian ceiling fresco paintings, giving the viewer a change in perspective while viewing each piece. 

"Natural Selection" (2010) 

"Atrium" (2010) 

"Questions for Heaven" (2010) 

Third Section: This section is made up of brand new paintings. The central piece if Yu Hong's most ambitious work to date, taking form of a classical Catholic altar painting, but making a central point in the social, cultural and political situations of China now. The exhibition also includes three new series, Spontaneous Motion, Westling, and a body of paintings from various snapshots of contemporary lives, such as Silence and Balance. They portray realistic representations of everyday experiences and focus on the younger generation and how they maintain a balance between tradition and social expectations. 

"Silence is Gold" (2011)

"Jump Rope Series" (2011)

"Wrestling" (2011)