New values of the west and constant yet excessive new information about his surroundings bombard Chen, with what could have been a peaceful two-year student life. Born and raised locally in China, Chen was thrust into an area where nighttime crime cases were high and the Covid-19 pandemic was looming in the backdrop. After a long day at school or at his artist studio, Chen would run back to his rented apartment, praying he was safe either from a crime scene or getting diagnosed with the virus. Upon arriving safely, not bothering to turn on the lights, he would sink into his sofa, out of breath as exhaustion took over. The light of night would seep through his windows where he would lay and observe, enjoying its beauty interlaced with eeriness and fear. Surprisingly, the scenes reminded of Chen his childhood days in rural Zhejiang, beautiful memories contradicted his frame of mind in New Haven. This began as part one of An Ordinary Evening in New Haven.

In Praise of Shadows: Chen Ronghui’s Solo Exhibition
Duration｜2022.07.02－2022.09.24