Yi Lian 易连
Yi Lian studied in the famous New Media Department of Hangzhou’s China Academy of Art, graduating in 2012 with an MFA in Inter-Media. Influenced by the pioneers of video art who studied, worked, and taught in Hangzhou, including Zhang Peili and Yang Fudong, Yi Lian is also interested in theatre and cinema; he cites film directors such as Tarkovsky, Angelopoulos and Terayama as particular influences.
Born in 1987 in Yichun, Jiangxi, Graduated from the New Media Art Department of China Academy of Art in 2009 with a B.A, obtained M.A from the School of Intermedia Art of China Academy of Art in 2012, Currently lives and works in Hangzhou. Yi Lian’s works include images, art installations, photography, painting and so on. His works are often based on individual life experiences rather than purely abstract concepts or forms. His early works focus on the narrative of images, the construction of surreal scenes and the capture of absurdity in personal experience. In recent years, the key words of his works turn to ‘the other’, ‘communication’ and so on. Becoming aware of the complexity, impossibility and multiple layers of ‘communication’ with the other, the artist tries to obtain a path through art to connect with, understand and experience the other (person/object/life), and also to touch and know oneself once again. “Art is glamorous because of its ability to share information with the other and relate to more.”
His recent solo exhibitions include: “Folding”:Yi Lian Solo Exhibition, TC101 Space, The Chinese University of Hong kong, Shenzhen. “Yi Lian- Cinema Paradiso”, Bonacon Gallery, Guangzhou(2018); “The Desolate Timeline”: Yi Lian’s Solo Exhibition, Telescope Art Space, Beijing(2016); “DEMIBEAST”: YI Lian’s Solo Exhibition, Inna Art Space, Hangzhou. Group exhibitions include: “proregress”-
12th Shanghai Biennale, PSA, Shanghai(2018). The 62nd International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, Germany(2016); “CHINA8 -- Contemporary art form China on the Rhine and Ruhr”, Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten Marl, Germany(2015); “The Civil Power” – Beijing Minsheng Art Museum Opening Exhibition, Beijing(2015); Chinese Video Art In MADATAC 06, Spain, Madrid(2014); Photo
Shanghai, The Exhibition Center of Shanghai, Shanghai(2014); “Reformation”, White Rabbit Collection Exhibition, White Rabbit Art Museum, Sydney, Australia(2014); The 9th-11th CIFF(China Independent Film Festival), China(2012-2014); “West Bound 2013” A Biennial of Architecture and Contemporary Art, Shanghai(2013); “Reactivation”-9th Shanghai Biennale, PSA, Shanghai(2012).
Won the Jimei x Arles Discovery Award 2019, His works are collected by the Australian White Rabbit Art Museum and the Blue Mountain Contemporary Art Foundation.
Rearward (part)
Single Channel Video, Black & White, Sound, 8’12”, HD, 2014
This video was made in a building site. About 30 workman in soldier’s uniforms and helmets as required work as usual. The camera record objectively, but there was an actor among these workers and then these men would putting themselves in a virtual video situation unconsciously.
