Artists
Photo Credit: NIU Chun-Chiang
LEE Ming-Sheng
LEE Ming-Sheng
| Location | France / Paris |
|---|---|
| Residency | Cité Internationale des Arts |
| Year of the Grant | 2012 |
| Work | Paper Is An Extension of Trees, Human Life Is An Extension of Paper |
Artist Statement:
I apply the philosophy of ancient Eastern literature and follow the law of natural existence in exploring human civilization in my work. By investigating the incessant developments, expansions, competitions, and conquests in society (this naturally includes the hegemonic attitude of human beings), I express my view on things, the natural environment, and people.
The artists I met from all around the world at Cité International des Arts, Paris were generally very self-motivated and hardworking. The ones that I was most interested in and eager to learn from were among a group of Northern European artists (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and France).
I met these artists at a party organized for new resident artists on May 10th. They were all about 24 years old. They would meet and seek opportunities for exhibitions and showcases together. Each artist would make time to curate shows, look for spaces, and exhibit new works. Everyone shared tasks: some would design invitation cards, others would prepare artist receptions, design websites, or write and distribute press releases. They also assisted each other with installation. For instance, these artists missed the June 20th Open Studio show because they arrived at the Cité International des Arts late. They decided to organize their own group exhibition that showed at the Norwegian artist’s studio. Each artist invited his or her friends, as well as art critics and curators they knew to see the show. They invited me to participate, but I declined because I was preoccupied with tasks relating to exiting the residency program. I was very impressed by these artists’ proactive attitude.
I learned a lot from them and pay them much respect.
Many artists, both foreign and domestic, reminded me that it was difficult to show work in Paris. Showing in Parisian galleries was even more challenging. Such opportunities usually required introductions from famous experts in the field. It brought up the issue of creating in places that did not encourage access to exhibition spaces for new and emerging artists.
My work has become more multilateral. I am opening up my mind to take bolder steps. Art does not necessarily have to be based on reason and rhyme, but it has to be pushed to its most extreme. Creating in a different environment requires different strategies to break the boundaries of that very environment.