2022 59th Venice Biennale Personal Structures 'Time Space Existence '
2022第59屆威尼斯雙年展 平行展個人結構 「 時間 空間 存在 」
Date
2022/4/23 ~ 2022/11/27
Place
莫拉宮展覽空間一樓#6 Palazzo Mora Exhibition Room 1st Floor Room #6
Calvin Teng’s solo show
Curator Emerson WANG
With the sky as clear as blue marble plus warm sunshine and gentle breeze, nature is depicted as genuine representation of demeanor and state of mind of the artist. Artist Calvin C. H. Teng practices the essence of art in life and becomes engaged in the creation of music, drama, and painting with ardent love, which contribute to the comprehensive humanistic temperament exhibited in his artworks, paying tribute to the universe with abstract paintings and meantime expressing human common sentiments towards nature. The word “nature” can be considered the equivalent of the Greek word “physis,” which means to grow or to develop, or being in a world of all creation continues to thrive. Based on rich and poetic content, and spiritual strength in both dimensions of time and history, the existence of all living things is made concrete and perceptible in the natural world.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a renowned German man of letters, underwent fundamental changes in terms of his outlook on life, worldview and art view after his journey to Italy. He turned to pursue the perfection, tranquility and harmony in ancient Greek and Roman art, and regarded art as the “utmost expression” of heaven, earth and the spirit of nature. He “ran away” from practical utility of art, and entered into the course of “pure creation” based on telepathy and resonance with nature. Teng's journey of life is pretty much the same. During each of world travels and art performing, he has realized the meaning of “being,” and such existence is not just “self” but “selves” or the “essence of life.”
Natural melody can be found in Teng's paintings, which is an invitation to viewers welcoming them into a familiar and broader state of mind.
I wake up and feel all lively, as usual. Slight joy on the corners of my lips, delightful energy within. After fresh-ups, through windows, I observe all the activities happening up in the sky and down on the ground.
I wake up and feel all lively, as usual. By the desk, not in a hurry to work. Making coffee, for me and my coworkers. While sipping, I let go of all thoughts. It’s this special moment of mindfulness, all ideas will flow naturally.
I wake up and feel all lively, as usual. While conversing with people, I speak softly. By listening attentively, I respond sincerely. While walking on the streets, I keep my mind clear and present. I can sense every moment my feet touching ground, but with no emotion attached.
I wake up and feel all lively, as usual. By realizing that all of conditioned existence, without exception, is in a constant state of flux, I experience and recognize the impermanence. The usual is not usual. I picture the liveliness. I picture my awakening. I picture the daily transition. All the everlasting creativities…… All the almighty energy…… All the endless abundance……
I wake up feel all lively, as usual. All I am capturing is the origin. The all natural, perfect you. No attachment with negative emotions. Disappointment, not you. Confusion, not you. Loneliness, not you. Helplessness, not you. In eternity, our vibes resonate beautifully. As long as you wake up and recall, in every daily usual routines.
I wake up feel all lively, as usual. The unaffected being in spring, it’s you I paint. The passionate being in summer, it’s you I paint. The tranquil being in autumn, it’s you I paint. In the winter sunset, you are the one with prajna wisdom I paint.
Your awakening becomes your daily routine. As Usual, As Ease.