Spellbound 以女为美

9 June – 15 August 2012

Shi Wei's art encapsulates poignant documentation of the unique social conditions and values shaping the lives of contemporary women. His works serve as a testament to his endeavor to capture the indescribable anxieties and uncertainties faced by modern young women in China, a consequence, perhaps, of their newfound social and economic freedoms.

In a departure from traditional representations, Shi Wei's portrayal of the female body is unapologetically open and unadulterated. Gone are the coy or bashful poses; instead, the figures exude a certain sexiness, at times hesitant, at times blatantly suggestive, and occasionally contradictory. Their visually distorted, slender bodies reflect an unyielding pursuit of thinness, aligning with prevailing fashion and social trends.

Some paintings depict women in barely clothed, provocative stances, their modern sexiness rendered with a morbid palette, conveying a sense of lifelessness and cold detachment. Each artwork encapsulates a unique narrative and temperament—some radiate happiness, others exude anguish, and some express utter indifference. In this diverse collection, Shi Wei skillfully unveils the multifaceted lifestyles, ideas, and ideals of modern women, offering a nuanced exploration of their complexities and nuances.