UP Gallery is thrilled to invite you to our final solo exhibition of 2024 in our 2F Viewing Room, where Shen Wei presents “For It So Seems That.” Having first introduced his evocative photography in our 2019 group show “Fuzz Fuzz,” we are now dedicating an entire space to Shen’s mesmerizing work. This exhibition is a carefully crafted immersive experience, where photography and video converge in a dialogue of light and sound. Works such as “The Woodpecker,” “Dusk of Harmonious Garden,” “For It So Seems,” and “Willow” will engage in a quiet conversation, their images and echoes intertwining in the space. The stills, drawn from these video pieces, will linger as delicate remnants of the moving image, capturing the ephemeral beauty of fleeting moments frozen in time.

Unlike previous exhibitions in this space that focused on fiction films and documentation, Shen’s work delves into the complexity of human emotion, desire, introspection, and instinct. Known for his self-portraits and melodramatic tonalities, Shen invites us into familiar yet dreamlike settings. Objects such as melon seeds, water basin, firecrackers, and instant noodles—mundane daily necessities—appear surreal when secluded in a historic house, as the artist engages with his surroundings. In another film, we are pulled into the contemporary setting, where the artist interacts intimately with others, yet the intent remains layered and uncertain.

Exhibiting in Taiwan, a setting unconfined by the exotic gaze of Western audiences, Shen’s work resonates with familiar subject matter, yet viewers may still find themselves peering into his world with a sense of voyeurism. The exhibition delves into themes that challenge the traditional constraints of Eastern society, presenting content that may be considered taboo. However, it invites us to ponder why primal needs, delicate emotions, and beauty have been obscured under layers of societal norms. While the experience may leave us initially confused, it undeniably intrigues us, tapping into an intuitive desire for more.

Finally, the gallery would like to thank all of you for joining us in this new initiative, and we hope you have enjoyed our 2F Screening Room’s exhibitions as much as we have enjoyed presenting them.

About 2F Screening Room @ UP Gallery
A new initiative commenced in 2024 through collaboration with LG, designed to accentuate the significance of moving images, videos, and film works. Over the course of the entire year, within an exclusive and intimate space located on the 2nd floor of the gallery, five distinct solo exhibitions featuring artists’ works will coincide with 1st-floor exhibitions focused on photography. The gallery aspires to broaden both temporal and spatial dimensions, providing our audiences with the opportunity to deeply engage with artistic practices that demand extended contemplation and more intimate settings.

*We extend our appreciation to LG for their sponsorship, enabling the impeccable presentation of works through The LG OLED evo 8K 88inch Prestige Series television.