JESS XIAOYI HAN: MIMESIS
Ross + Kramer is pleased to present Jess Xiaoyi Han’s third solo exhibition with the gallery, entitled “Mimesis”.
October 10 – November 16, 2024
In her latest body of work, Han confronts aesthetic philosophical concepts of imitation and representation, reimagining their utility and relevance in our contemporary, information-saturated world. The artist employs annexpressive palette of alkyd and oil paints in her intricate abstract works. Composed of soft, organic shapes andntrailing tendrils that intertwine and unfold like living organisms, Han’s paintings evoke the complex and delicate balance of ecosystems, embodying a reflection of the artist’s internal emotional dialogue and experiences.
In addition to showcasing some of Han’s largest-scale paintings to date, the exhibition also debuts the artist’s latest foray into ceramics. This collection of works emerges from the artist’s own deeply personal journey of self-reflection, grappling with the nature of desire and authenticity in an age where influences and information abound.
Inspired by Plato’s allegory of the cave and Aristotle’s Poetics, “Mimesis” explores the notion that imitation transcends mere replication. For the artist and viewers alike, this body of work serves as an avenue to investigate the interplay between reality, perception, and interpretation within the context of one’s own experience. From immersive, large-scale paintings to small, intimate ceramic pieces that invite quiet contemplation, each work is an attempt by the artist to illuminate the often invisible forces of mimetic desire that ultimately shape one’s identity.
On the exhibition, the artist states: “It is my hope that this exhibition will prompt visitors to sift through their own mimetic influences, questioning the origins of their ideas and aspirations, and ultimately attuning to their authentic selves. “Mimesis” is not about rejecting external influences; rather, it advocates for discernment. This exhibition serves as a space for reflection, allowing us to engage with the richness of our cultural context while maintaining our individuality. In a world awash with information, “Mimesis” creates an opportunity for pause, reflection, and a deeper understanding of our own nature and the forces that shape us.”