Mocube is honoured to present the latest group exhibition “Four Primary Colours” by 4 artists Dong Bingxin, Ma Yuge, Qiao Yijian, and Xu Yueyang on June 22, 2024. The exhibition is curated by artist Xu Hualing. The exhibition will last until July 28, 2024.

The“three primary colours”principle, according to Wikipedia, may be applied physiologically or physically. Here, the“four primary colours”most likely attributable to the large number of artists participating in the exhibition. In my opinion, "primary colour" describes what it is. Distinct art samples have distinct“primary colours”. Without getting into specifics, the artworks of the four young artists — Dong Bingxin, Xu Yueyang, Qiao Yijian, and Ma Yuge — that are on display in this exhibition possesses sincerity, ambiguity, and possibility.

Dong Bingxin enclosed herself in a fantasy world of her own making. Like Barbie, there is always a genuine heroine. It is like reading a novel, traveling into her spiritual habitat. This place is pristine, the sun is shining, time stands still, and you cannot hear the sounds of the passing seasons. What you can smell is brightness and warmth. Dong repeatedly disguised herself and escaped in this broadness and serenity. This is, in a way, both an image of removing the dross while retaining the essentials and a virtual autobiography of hers.

From a literary standpoint as well, Xu Yueyang is more akin to a melancholy poet. It can be assumed to be sleepwalking, with no defined starting or ending point. Starting from any point and extending out, impulsive emotions reveal. She feels frightened of order and rigidity and cannot embrace the sweetness that comes from her words. The so-called interest in writing serves as a form of release for her. She is a possible saboteur.

Qiao Yijian, deviating from the usual artistic development path, once went to Qinghai Kumbum Monastery alone to study Thangka under a master. Everyday studies for two years, from dawn to dusk, meat and mutton, baths, snowy mountains, monks, yellow dogs, and Aka’s compassionate and eloquent “Happy New Year”. All of these lingering, intimate experiences contribute to the overall tone of Qiao’s art, which I believe is characterized by a quiet strength.

The phrase “a winding path leading to a secluded place” typically indicates a sensitive heart. Ma Yuge is not like the others. Her paintings are direct and devoid of complications — a tree, floating clouds, a sleeping metropolis, a lazy woman, and a nameless but glossy weed. All of these are Ma’s impulses and desires. Her happiness is reflected in her slightly awkward portrayals, which are a bit frizzy, a bit astringent, and a bit frank.

The inner thought of the artist is similar to a kaleidoscope or a prism. We can capture different storylines and landscapes in the artworks. There is no need for undue interpretation. To some extent, the painting naturally leaves its own impression.

(Written by Xu Hualing)