Exhibition Features 9 Large-Scale Photographs From Hai's Recent Work (2007-2009)#
Hai Bo - "Passing Traveler" Copyright © Hai Bo 2008
Following on the heels of the recently launched "Photography from the New China" exhibition at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, and kicking off one day before Wang Qingsong's solo show, "When Worlds Collide" at the International Center of Photography, the eponymous solo exhibition of recent work by contemporary Chinese photographer Hai Bo is set to take place at the Pace/MacGill gallery in New York from January 20 - February 26. This will be Hai's first-ever exhibition at Pace/MacGill.
Consisting of nine large-scale photographs from 2007-2009, "Hai Bo" presents deceptively simple depictions of China's vanishing agricultural society, presenting portraits of elderly individuals to represent our fleeting time on earth. Like in previous works such as "Three Sisters" (2000) and "Four Seasons" (2003), "Hai Bo" focuses on the passage of time, with elderly men figuring prominently throughout the exhibition.
Several works feature Hai's family and acquaintances, with "2008-1" depicting Hai Bo's formerly hot-tempered, stubborn uncle emerging from the shadows as a mellowed, silent The old man emerging from the darkness a shadow of his former self. In "Old Man" (2009), Hai shows his 80-year-old neighbor leaning against an ancient tree, which makes him look infantile in comparison. In both photographs, Hai seeks to illustrate the struggles we all must go through as we come to terms with the limits of our lives.
Said Hai Bo, speaking on his new works, “Their today is our tomorrow. By showing the loneliness, helplessness, and even despair of these old men, I want to convey the emptiness of success and ambition, and the futility of power and strength.”
"Hai Bo" will be on view from January 20 through February 26, 2011. An opening reception with the artist will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2011.
Pace MacGill Gallery#
Address: 32 E. 57 Street, New York NY 10022
Tel: (212) 759-7999
Email: info@pacemacgill.com
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