The group exhibition, Scene Not Be Seen II, unfolded at John Molloy Gallery in upper east Manhattan, from May 28th to May 31st. The exhibition brought together a diverse array of artworks from eight acclaimed artists: Shiqi Luo, Yoka Gong, Maggie Ma, Sherly Fan, Yucheng Liao, Xiaofan Li, and Frida Ding.
The exhibition unveiled a new chapter that delved into the intricate boundary between the seen and unseen. Artists in this exhibition attempted to scrutinize the intricate bonds linking society to nature and challenge audiences to expand the boundaries of their understandings. It investigated the unseen dynamics that govern individual’s interactions and shape their perceptions of the world.
Each artwork illuminated the subtle, often unnoticed layers beneath surface appearances, whether it be in objects, experiences, or societal constructs. They collectively underscored the exhibition’s thematic concern with the layers of reality that go unnoticed but profoundly shape our perceptions and experiences.
In this meticulously assembled collection, artworks acted as mirrors, reflecting the myriad ways cultural narratives and personal experiences shape and reshape our realities. Through a diverse range of media—sculpture, painting, digital installations, and interactive art—these pieces prompted viewers to delve deeper than the observable surface. Artists invite introspection on the unseen forces molding our environments. The silent yet potent dynamics that steer people’s interactions pervade their existence.
Echoing Anais Nin’s observation, “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are,” each work underscores the idea that individual perceptions of reality are reflections of their inner selves. The existence of the unseen serves as the foundation upon which the artists build their creations, challenging observers to reconsider their viewpoints.
The show also strives to initiate a meaningful dialogue between the observer and the observed, intertwining external realities with internal narratives. It invites attendees to critically examine their perceptions, prompting a deeper reflection on the influences that shape their views of the world. This engaging showcase encourages a reevaluation of what is visible and how it is interpreted, urging viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the biases and experiences that mold their worldviews.
Scene Not Be Seen II has transformed unconscious societal allegories into vivid, tangible realities, reflecting on the paradoxes and absurdities of our collective existence. It was an invitation to wander through the layers of communal thought and personal realities, to wonder at the complexities of our intertwined lives, and to witness the profound dialogue between the seen and the hidden, the overt and the covert. This focus on the unseen invites a dialogue about the complex, intertwined nature of visibility, perception, and the hidden forces that sculpt any individual’s understanding of the world.
Scene Not Be Seen II, May 28th – 31st, 2024, 49 E 76th St, New York
Featured Artists: Shiqi Luo, Yoka Gong, Maggie Ma, Sherly Fan, Yucheng Liao, Xiaofan Li, Frida Ding, Yihe Huang
