Mysteries of Connections and The Cultural Patterns
Zheng Xue and Hiromitsu Kuroo
December 11, 2024 to February 1, 2025
Press Release
MYSTERIES OF CONNECTIONS AND THE CULTURAL PATTERNS
From December 11, 2024, to February 1, 2025, the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba is pleased to present the exhibition MYSTERIES OF CONNECTIONS AND THE CULTURAL PATTERNS which features the work of ZHENG XUE AND HIROMITSU KUROO. The exhibition is composed of 25 paintings and 19 folded and flattened works of paper.
The exhibit is curated by Kimmy Li, originally from Beijing, now residing in New York City, who fosters cross-cultural dialogue with Asian artists. This exhibition explores the mysterious interconnectedness of systems of universal order, revealing how patterns resonate across cultures and imaginations. Through this lens, the exhibition offers a nuanced perspective on how artists navigate and reconcile their cultural identities within an increasingly connected, yet often fractious world.
Born in Beijing, China, Zheng Xue creates installations and paintings inspired by various aspects of ‘fertile’ space, its cells, microorganisms, and unexplained phenomena. Not limited by tradition or simple emotions, he believes that the value of art lies in philosophy and the expression of strong curiosity about unknown topics.1 Xue examines the connections between the infinitesimal and infinity by embodying the order and disorder of our world through his art. The exhibition highlights work that reflects a multi-layered universe of “meridians,” merging abstraction and figurative imagery. By integrating science and art, his work expresses philosophical perspectives on the mysteries of the universe and the presence of uncharted realms through visual storytelling. (Golden Arts)
Hiromitsu Kuroo, born in Yokohama, Japan, resided in New York for nearly two decades before returning to Japan in 2021. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese Origami tradition and Native American murals, Kuroo creates unique “Bleach Paintings” using minimal paint and bleach to create negative and positive shapes for his compositions. Through this innovative artistic practice, he bridges two disparate worlds, creating a visual language that speaks to complexities in navigating multiple cultural identities.
Hiromitsu Kuroo complements Zheng Xue’s exploration by challenging perceptions and inviting dialogue about complex cultural patterns in art. Together, their artworks create a rich tapestry that highlights the connections between diverse cultural narratives.
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 21, 3-6 pm
Gallery Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm
Location: 219 East Second Street at Avenue B
Kenkeleba programs are funded in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and many generous friends.
