Tunneling

cadet capela is pleased to present Tunneling, the first solo exhibition in France by Taiwanese artist Huang Ko-Wei, at 13 rue Béranger 75003 Paris.

Renowned for his bold mastery of colors, lights, and his subtle play between the imaginary and reality, Huang Ko-Wei seeks to broaden the horizons of painting by combining and composing images.

For his new exhibition, “Tunneling,” the artist situates his characters in dynamic locations, places of exchange such as train stations, trains, etc. Interested in the transient lives of these passing travelers, the artist aims to evoke the fluidity of identity and the fluctuating geopolitical dynamics of Taiwan, his home country. This series of paintings is also inspired by his current research on quantum mechanics and the concept of “possibility.” For Huang, as we navigate through elements such as the environment, social class, politics, etc., which constantly demand compromises with established rules, the probability of “possibility” unfolding allows us to maintain a positive momentum in seemingly hopeless situations. The artist aspires to disrupt and reshape our perception of movement, form, and texture to create a space of precarious balance where any outcome is conceivable. The creation of this “gray zone” represents a territory both fascinating and unsettling, providing him with a privileged space for expression:

The artwork titled “Blind Spot (Scotoma)” reveals the blind spot that the protagonist can only see in the presence of a mirror. For observers located outside the two-dimensional plane, the blind area is evident, creating a perspective of which the main character is unaware. This reflects the prevalence of imperceptible underlying logics in life, where individuals are unaware of what is happening behind the scenes.

Through a skillful representation of architectural elements, Huang accentuates the tension between ambiguity and readability in his work. This duality not only unveils a deliberately blurred boundary between representation and abstraction but also testifies to the artist’s effort to break free from established aesthetic conventions. The meticulous balance between dynamic and static tones on the canvas aims to offer a visual experience that is both distant, achronic, and universal. Huang Ko Wei’s works aim to convey a sense of serene uncertainty, encouraging viewers to pause, contemplate, and consider possibilities:

The artwork “Transit Pandora & Elpis” explores the classical story of Pandora and Elpis, questioning the role of hope in the human experience. This triptych painting is interconnected yet remains discontinuous. The composition unfolds a complex matrix of the train station space, allowing each of the three images to be read independently. The postures of the characters and objects are orchestrated to form interwoven and dynamic gestures. My goal is to guide the audience into a state of pause, waiting, and constant shifting of attention.

Huang Ko Wei was born in Taipei in 1988 and currently lives and works in Taipei. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fine Arts from Taipei National University of the Arts. His paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions, including at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung (2020), Eslite Gallery in Taipei (2019), Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in Kaohsiung (2016), Taoyuan Arts Center in Taoyuan (2016), and Kaohsiung Cultural Center in Kaohsiung (2015). He is a recipient of the Kaohsiung Awards (2016), the 14th Taoyuan Contemporary Arts Award (2016), the Art Taipei-MIT Award, and the Next Art Tainan (2014).

After his solo exhibition at Vacancy Gallery in Shanghai in 2023, Huang Ko-Wei is exhibiting for the first time in France at cadet capela.