山海今－陳硯平個展: New Classic of Mountains and Seas: Chen Yenping Solo Exhibition

大河美術將舉辦陳硯平最新個展《山海今》，講述一著重於探索內心，追尋自我意識覺醒的當代寓言。《山海經》為一描繪人類在數千年前，因一場天災洪水而開啟對世界探索的傳說故事。該書傳誦至今，與許多改編一同形成一荒誕奇幻的世界。陳硯平比對故事中的奇人異獸與發生在現代之令人徬徨迷失的各種現象，將「經典」轉譯為「當今」寓言，回看不斷輪迴的歷史，而展開一場反思探索之旅。

 

本次展覽位於空間一樓，從最一開始的「穹奇」世界，帶領觀者一睹這個科技進步、變化萬千的時代，因受到疫情肆虐、天災影響甚至戰爭的衝擊，像是夢魘般，潛意識帶給人們撕裂和斷片的傷痕，進而產生的許多光怪陸離的生物，就如同《山海經》上演著夸父追逐幻覺、穹奇恣意食人等荒誕劇情。第二階段則來到貫穿藝廊空間的天井區，明亮的光線結合許多審判者的意象，試圖將漸漸迷失自我的人們，從不斷重演歷史悲歌的現代洪流中解放。最後展區則營造安身的靈魂居所，暗示觀者只有創建屬於自己的心靈空間，才能在動盪中獲得真正的平衡與自由。

 

陳硯平揭示了面對荒謬，人們應該從尋找解藥的療傷過程中，釋放能量並跨越既有命運，創造自我修行的「居所」。既離不開山與海，那麼就穿越自我設限的框架，在混沌中找到真理，將內心的猛獸蛻變為新生，進化為心靈的神獸。

 

RIVER ART GALLERY is going to present Chen Yenping's latest solo exhibition, "New Classic of Mountains and Seas," which tells a contemporary allegory emphasizing the exploration of inner selves and the pursuit of self-awareness awakening. "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is a legendary tale depicting humanity's exploration of the world thousands of years ago following a catastrophic flood. The book, which has been passed down through generations, has formed a fantastical world alongside numerous adaptations. The artist juxtaposes the extraordinary beings and creatures from the story with bewildering phenomena occurring in modern times, translating the classic into a contemporary allegory, reflecting on the cyclical nature of history and embarking on a journey of reflection and exploration.

 

This exhibition is located on the first floor, starting from the "world of Qióngqí (a monstrous creature that eats people)," leading viewers to witness this era of technological advancement and myriad changes. Impacted by the ravages of epidemics, natural disasters, and even wars, it feels like a nightmare, with the subconscious leaving people torn and fragmented scars, giving rise to many strange and fantastical creatures, much like the absurd plots of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" where Kuafu chases illusions and Qióngqí indulge in devouring humans. The second phase takes place in the atrium that runs through the gallery space, where bright light combines with the imagery of many judges, attempting to liberate those gradually losing themselves from the modern torrent of repeatedly reenacted historical tragedies. Finally, the last area creates a sanctuary for the soul, suggesting to viewers that only by creating their own spiritual space can they truly find balance and freedom amidst turmoil.

 

Chen Yenping reveals that in the face of absurdity, people should release energy and transcend their existing destinies through the healing process of seeking remedies, creating a "dwelling" for self-cultivation. If one cannot escape the world, then they must traverse the framework of self-limitation, find truth in chaos, transform the inner beast into rebirth, and evolve into the spiritual beast of the soul.