“My intention is to converge bright sparks in the darkness into a beam of light by drawing the focus onto the universal element of ordinary life.”— Huang Baoying

Soka Art is privileged to be hosting “New Leaves, Fireworks, and the Obscure Home”, the first solo exhibition by US-based artist Huang Baoying, from January 7 to February 4, 2023  in Taiwan. Named by New American Paintings as one of the 40 most outstanding emerging artists, Huang’s artworks are characterized by an extraordinary sense of revitalization, highlighting the intangible presence in everyday life and presenting the hidden emotional connotations and spirituality of these everyday items. Since debuting at Art Taipei 2022, Huang’s works have been impressing countless collectors. This solo exhibition features a comprehensive collection of her works, presenting nearly 20 new works from a variety of different series.

Born in Shenzhen in 1997, Huang currently resides and works in New York. The artist received a Honors Bachelor of Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in 2019, and a Master of Fine Arts in Oil Painting from Boston University with multiple scholarships. Huang’s works have been exhibited in various cities, including New York, Boston, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen. This solo exhibition “New Leaves, Fireworks, and the Obscure Home” places a focus on the theme of home - how it was changed by the pandemic as the outside world came to a stop. People often skipped meals when life was busy, but now they always eat on time because staying idle at home is too boring. When people connect with objects at greater lengths of time, they tend to develop more subtle physical sensations and thinking.

Sunflowers in a bottle, Devil’s Ivy by the window, washed vegetables on the countertop, fireworks and reflections out the window—these are all the little pieces of life through Huang’s eyes. Such ordinary and simple elements are accompanied by a sense of quiet solitude.  Due to traveling between China and the US for many years, she often finds herself far away from family and friends, and completely dependent on herself. As a result, she considers the portability of every piece of furniture before making a purchase.  Huang repeatedly strives to find a rhetorical definition of “home” by asking questions like, “How long can a person live a wandering life away from home? What does it feel like to live a wandering life and why is it necessary? Why do people feel lonely? Can I really build my home in this foreign place ten-thousand kilometers away?” These innocuous emotions have gradually built up to become an unbearable sense of helplessness. That is why Huang converts these wandering thoughts into stills through depressive colors, conservative compositions, and discrete outlines.

Huang has spoken about her “intention to converge bright sparks in the darkness into a beam of light by drawing the focus onto the universal element of ordinary life.” Painting is the medium through which Huang reconciles her reality and psychological dilemma. The paintings portray the emotional connections between isolated urban life and plain simple things in sincere, straightforward, and impactful styles. Both new leaves and fireworks are symbols of Huang’s pursuit or exploration of inner spirit and power, as she tries to empower viewers and herself with the courage and energy in confronting the challenges of life.