Junnan Huang

Country where you live:

City where you live:

london

Website:

https://www.junnanart.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/jenana052/profilecard/?igsh=bXRtbWF6d2ZjODQ%3D

Statement :

Clement Greenberg's concept of “anti-representation,” which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, challenges traditional representational art by asserting that art should transcend mimicking the real world. In Huang Junnan’s work, this philosophy is manifested through the use of somber tones and blurred boundaries that emphasize the materiality of the medium over the depiction of external reality. Her paintings do not simply express personal emotions; they invite the viewer into a shared exploration of more profound human experiences.

Huang employs a metaphorical “mirror” to explore themes of self-reflection and acceptance, depicting complex emotional states like anxiety and sadness. This approach allows her to address how individuals confront their own inner turmoil and the challenges of acknowledging deep-seated trauma and illness. By focusing on the material properties of oil paint on canvas, she emphasizes the autonomy of her medium—its ability to stand alone as a subject of perception without the need for narrative or symbolism. In a contemporary context where art often gravitates towards overt sentimentality and narrative, Huang’s work maintains a focus on the intrinsic qualities of painting. She regards her canvas as a two-dimensional surface that captures the essence of the materials, engaging viewers with the texture, color, and composition of her work directly. This not only challenges conventional artistic methods but also enhances the viewer's engagement with the artwork as an object of direct experience.

In her piece "So What If I’m an Artist and I Still Have to Get to Work at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Shoes That Don’t Fit Me?", Huang combines traditional Chinese art foundations with Western composition techniques. This piece incorporates the real object of a chair placed in front of the canvas, engaging viewers in a dialogue about the nature of art and its role in the world. Her use of the chair emphasizes its physical attributes without altering its inherent characteristics, reflecting on the materiality and spirituality of her artistic pursuit.

Huang’s work, deeply rooted in both Western and Eastern aesthetics, uses simplified forms and traditional pigments to convey the spirit and inner vitality of her subjects, bridging personal experiences with broader cultural and existential themes. Her ability to resonate across cultural and spiritual divides reaffirms the potential of art to provide solace, stimulate reflection, and connect deeply with a wide audience.

Written by Xu Hanyin
Universiti Malaya
Academy of Malay Studies, Fine arts

So What If I Am an Artist and I Still Have to Get to Work at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Shoes that Do Not Fit Me

Oil on convas 2024 60*90cm In my art, I explore the process of self-reflection and acceptance, uncovering the deep truths hidden within ourselves. The work focuses on the metaphorical "mirror" and shows the complex ways we express feelings like anxiety and sadness. It considers how people look at their reflections, dealing with the challenge of being honest about illness and deep trauma. This artistic effort tackles deep themes, encouraging viewers to think about the complex nature of human experiences. In my work "So What If I Am an Artist and I Still Have to Get to Work at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Shoes that Do Not Fit Me," I delve deeper into the everyday struggles artists face in our daily lives. This work challenges the polished stories that often disconnect art from common experiences and emphasizes the original, often overlooked meaning of being "radical." By depicting the simple yet profound act of enduring discomfort, represented by wearing ill-fitting shoes, the artwork critiques societal expectations and the personal compromises that define our lives. Through this piece, I encourage viewers to reconsider the essence of radical actions. Is radicalism only about loud, visible defiance, or does it also encompass the silent endurance of life's hardships in pursuit of personal and artistic integrity? This dialogue invites a reevaluation of our interactions with life's continuous, albeit fleeting, struggles and their profound impact on our understanding of existence and identity.

Oil on canvas 2024 50*50cm In my art, I explore the process of self-reflection and acceptance, revealing truths hidden deep within us. My works focus on the metaphorical "mirror," depicting the complex ways we express emotions like anxiety and sadness. They consider how individuals confront their reflections and the challenges of dealing honestly with illness and deep-seated trauma. This artistic endeavor delves into profound themes, urging viewers to consider the complex nature of human experiences. My dog frequently appears in my paintings, serving as my guide out of the depths of recurring depression, a companion I consider my "key." I visualize my depression as a black version of him lurking in my mental landscape. Occasionally, his mischief in my psyche mirrors how he disrupts the real world, like when he destroys a new toy to catch my attention. I engage with him gently, calming rather than confronting him. This approach has allowed me to regain control over my mental space and accept depression as a part of me, transforming it from a perpetual destroyer into an integrated aspect of my existence.

Blind for Love

2024 Oil on canvas 50*50cm In her art, the artist delves into the process of self-reflection and acceptance, uncovering the profound truths that lie deep within us all. Her work centers on the metaphorical "mirror," depicting the complex ways we express emotions such as anxiety and sadness. It explores how individuals confront their own reflections and the challenges of facing illness and deep trauma with honesty. This artistic endeavor tackles deep themes, prompting viewers to contemplate the intricate nature of human experiences. The latest piece in this series, titled "Blind for Love," explores the artist's personal confusion and inconsistencies encountered in entering intimate relationships. This artwork invites the audience to reflect on the complexities of love and self-awareness.

Bio:

Junnan Huang

Born in Jilin, China

Lives & works in London

Born in 1997 in Northern China and raised in Chengdu, Huang Junnan began her artistic journey in 2012 under the guidance of mentor Yan Zi. Her early dedication to art led her to the Chengdu Academy of Fine Arts, where she honed her skills in oil painting, earning a bachelor's degree in 2019. Her pursuit of artistic excellence continued with a master's degree in Chinese painting in 2022, reflecting a significant shift in her artistic focus.

Junnan's artistry is deeply influenced by her mentor, Yan Zi, particularly evident in her transition from Western to Chinese painting techniques. Her works, rich in cultural fusion, explore the symbiosis between Western and Chinese art traditions. Using traditional Chinese materials blended with Western compositional aesthetics, Junnan creates a unique visual language that is both personal and universal.

In her creations, Junnan harnesses painting as a medium for self-expression and healing. Her art is an invitation to viewers, offering a journey into shared experiences and emotions. Each piece serves as a testament to the transformative power of art in bridging personal and collective narratives. Her work not only reflects her inner world but also resonates deeply with the human condition, highlighting the timeless bond between art and the soul.