Suburbia Contemporary presents, for the first time in Germany, Han Bing (b. 1992, China), painter and visual artist, in a solo exhibition at the Spinnerei Leipzig gallery space.
Han Bing’s work draws on fabric, fusing elements from mythology, religion, comics, and the “bad painting” movement. His approach transcends fixed cultural frameworks, blending motifs, symbols, and techniques into a syncretic visual language that speaks to the globalized and digitalized world of today. By merging various methods, he has developed a unique artistic language, where humor and playfulness are key components.
Han Bing engages with color and texture in ways that invite the viewer to reconsider traditional artistic boundaries. His latest works, created with Chinese ink or watercolor, are meticulously hand-cut and sewn, resulting in compositions that extend beyond the canvas into large-scale installations that transform the gallery space. The “Dogs and Rogues” series explores the symbolic roles of wild animals, each representing distinct characteristics: fierce tigers, fragile giraffes, cold-blooded crocodiles, agile cheetahs often robbed by others, and opportunistic vultures waiting for their moment.
Throughout history, animals have been symbols, their meanings varying across cultures. Medieval bestiaries, for instance, examined the moral and symbolic significance of both real and mythical creatures. In the Chinese zodiac, twelve animals represent cyclical energies, each associated with specific traits that influence the personality and destiny of individuals born under their sign. These animals are not mere symbols, but cosmic forces that harmonize nature and society.
Han Bing’s work delves into these themes with great attention, blending elements from various traditions to create a rich tapestry of meaning. He examines human behavior through the lens of the animal world, using animals as representations of human traits and flaws.
The artist invites viewers to reflect on essential questions about the nature of both animals and humans: Who, in this narrative, is wild and who is wicked? Who is the animal, and who is the rogue? Through this exploration, Han Bing challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and the impact humanity has on both nature and itself.
