These mysterious and smoky landscapes created by Beijing based artist Yao Lu really through me for a loop at first glance! Lu uses photo collage and scale manipulation to create landscapes that are reminiscent of traditional Chinese landscapes that you are probably more familiar with seeing on a scroll. After reading about this artist on Bruce Silverstein Gallery's website, where the artist is represented, I found out that these seemingly tranquil and romanticized scenes are actually not nature shots, but construction sites in China. (Well, that took a dark turn.) This is why we see strangely colored fabric covering the mountains. Here is what the Yao Lu's biography said about his work.
"His recycling of a traditional aesthetic to approach contemporary issues reveals the tension between society’s past and present values. Lu’s environmental message crosses borders and raises pressing questions about the hidden costs of modernization and global sustainability."
I love the environmental message Lu personifies in this series of his. It is definitely one that rings true all over the world and can be seen here in the U.S as well. Artwork that is beautiful, clever, and stained with a loud message! LOVE.
"His recycling of a traditional aesthetic to approach contemporary issues reveals the tension between society’s past and present values. Lu’s environmental message crosses borders and raises pressing questions about the hidden costs of modernization and global sustainability."
I love the environmental message Lu personifies in this series of his. It is definitely one that rings true all over the world and can be seen here in the U.S as well. Artwork that is beautiful, clever, and stained with a loud message! LOVE.