Following a successful debut UK exhibition last year, Ye Hongxing is back with more works in her inimitable style for her second solo show with Scream gallery. For those unfamiliar with her work they appear to be massive and intensely bright paintings, but upon closer inspection they reveal that they are made entirely of children's stickers including Hello Kitty, Angry Birds and smiley faces.
All her mosaics juxtapose traditional Chinese imagery such as tigers and Buddhist temples with objects from modern society including cars and military vehicles. This clash of old and new is a reflection on her native China and its evolution, and how this has been affected by interactions with the West. This is typified by the kitschy stickers she uses in her work, they may be manufactured in China but are destined for Western markets.
As well as continuing these themes from her first show, some of her newer works focus on the mystical, nature and the environment. These mosaics show the beauty of a pre-industrialised world but are made from stickers that serve the materialistic world we live in, making for an interesting contrast.
Hongxing's work is bold and eye-catching but also makes a socio-political statement, ensuring it's not only seen for its aesthetic value but for the debate it provokes as well. This is the work of an innovative artist and we look forward to seeing the art she'll feature in this exhibition.
Ye Hongxing: East of Eden is on at Scream, 27-28 Eastcastle St, W1W 8DH until 7 December. Entrance is free.
