This July, artist Ruyun Gao unveiled his latest solo exhibition, "Position; Reposition", at Nan Ke Gallery in Shanghai. "Position; Reposition" reflects the ongoing exploration of his artistic thinking and, for the first time, features his large-scale site-specific work.
When the regular geometric patterns ripple into faintly discernible shapes in the water, do the viewers experience a synchronized rhythm and resonance in their hearts? This intriguing thought underlies his creative intention. Ruyun Gao hopes to observe the visitors exploring his exhibition in reverse, attempting to uncover the process conveyed by "Position; Reposition".
Ruyun's work grows from the "design" framework and extends forward, using tendrils to probe the irregular realms of art that design cannot convey or encompass. Perhaps this is the way to engage in a dialogue with life.
ART TALK | Dialogue with Ruyun Gao
"The Techniques of Design May Be a Constraint"
Installation view of Position;Reposition, June 29, 2024 - August 11, 2024, Nan Ke Gallery, Shanghai © Courtesy Nan Ke Gallery, photographed by Runxin
Before embarking on his journey into the realm of art, Ruyun Gao first delved into the academic field of "design".
During this phase, he learned to use various design software, grasping the mechanical rhythm-like rules and establishing an aesthetic system that appreciates the balance of geometric images and structures. The interactivity in design introduced him to the concept of "connect", which fascinated him more than the technical skills themselves. Consequently, he began exploring the field of art, aiming to dissolve the "shell" of applied technology and focus more on the intrinsic essence of "connection".
Ruyun Gao
Awareness-00，2024
Stainless-steel, nylon rope, fishing line
150h x 110w x 6.3d cm
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
"Through learning design, I felt that the field of technology itself is laden with 'techniques.' This led me to realize that the ideas expressible through technology are ultimately limited. So, I wanted to return to the basics of points, lines, and planes in my creations, to step away from the 'techniques' of various combinations and explore freer, unrestricted themes".
Ruyun Gao
Awareness-2302, 2023
White wood、nylon rope
80h × 100w × 6.8d cm
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
For Ruyun Gao, his familiarity with the construction of design formed a system of techniques, which for the exploration and discovery of thought might be a constraint-laden "framework". In his artistic creations, he hopes that his works remain "unconcluded" before being presented to others' sight. He aims for the audience's observation and perception to gradually initiate personalized physical reactions, leading to a harmonious understanding.
"Perhaps it's somewhat like 'string theory'", Ruyun Gao explains. "It is not an immutable theorem but is constantly changing with observation. Connections can be established and constructed at any moment, and whether a connection can occur seems random yet is a predestined conclusion".
Creation Begins with Moving Oneself
If Ruyun Gao’s artistic journey is an exploration of intrinsic connections, how does he envision this exploration unfolding? When discussing this topic, his answer is, "To move oneself—then naturally extend this to those who resonate on the same frequency."
Ruyun Gao
Awareness-020, 2022
Acrylic on canvas
50h × 40w × 1.5d cm
54h × 64w × 4.8d cm (framed)
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
"I believe that, often, creation possesses vitality. It is a process of delving into one's own life and also allowing the artistic context to have its own vitality, to grow freely, and to interact with more people".
Ruyun Gao
All or Nothing, 2024
Stainless-steel, nylon rope, fishing line, acrylic pigment
60h × 50w × 6.5d cm
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
In his daily life, besides studying art creation, he enjoys appreciating other forms of creative works and drawing inspiration from them. He particularly favors films by the Coen brothers and "The Tree of Life". The fantastical expressions in these films and their exploration of the impermanence of life have greatly influenced him. Through the process of reception and appreciation, his own artistic system and habitual expressions are continuously updated and reconstructed. Currently, he aspires for his creations to "reduce the amount of information. To avoid unnecessary translation and keep things simple".
The Methodology of "Breaking Patterns"
Ruyun Gao's exhibition "Position; Reposition" at Nan Ke Gallery seems to materialize his continuous exploration of the boundaries of creation. As visitors ascend the gallery floors, the works progressively embody a stepped rhythm of "dimensional ascension." Meanwhile, the audience freely moves and connects their thoughts, disrupting this linear arrangement with their imagination.
Ruyun Gao
Protein, 2024
Nylon rope
Dimensions variable
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
"If there’s anything like a ‘methodology’ in my creation, it would be breaking patterns. Peeling back the surface of things, discarding external rules, and probing their core and soul".
On the surface, many of his works in this exhibition possess a subtle sense of "zen". "I aim to set objects in motion. Once they achieve a state of movement, I predict the essence beyond their patterns. Sometimes, in dynamic balance, one can sense a dialogue with higher dimensions," he explains. "Perhaps it is what they call 'great beauty is wordless'".
Ruyun Gao
Disturbance，2024
Pool, sand, motor, nylon rope
500l x 400w x 450h cm
© Courtesy of the artist and Nan Ke Gallery
Throughout human history, as we reproduce, create history, and build societies, we are trained to understand various images and objects. In our creations, as artist Antony Gormley stated, they either have functionality, carry symbolic meaning, tell us what to do or not to do, or remind us of significant people or historical events. Gao aims to explore and "activate" a form of non-utilitarian thinking. By captivating the audience with dynamic elements, he hopes to transmit this activation and inspiration, fostering a broader, collective self-awareness, judgment, and perception.
July 29, 2024
