Moments in Time: chinarebel.art Photography Exhibit

Interview by Sacha Goodman of the Aesthetica magazine

Kun Fang

Here are 

2 elements in my art 

Nostalgia element :monochrome 

Polychrome element 

Polychrome element is an abstraction of the nostalgic photo, purification of the photo. 

My picture, pixel to monochrome, in the figurative element describs my personality 

Aesthetica magazine

It sounds like an interesting combination! The use of nostalgia as a source of inspiration and the abstraction of polychrome elements to simplify and transform the photo give your art a deeper meaning and a unique appearance. Converting pixels to monochrome also adds an intriguing dimension to your work. Do you already have specific ideas on how you want to integrate these elements into your art?

Kun Fang 

Yes, I'm portraying the old Chinese diva from Shanghai 1930.

Aesthetica magazine

That sounds like a fascinating starting point! The old Chinese diva from Shanghai in the 1930s definitely evokes a sense of nostalgia and historical glamour. By using this photo as a foundation and then applying polychrome abstractions, you can truly create a unique artwork that reflects both the past and the present. Converting it to monochrome could also create an interesting contrast between the past and the present. It sounds like an engaging project!

lightness of Wang kar-wai's cinematography style in my digitale art. 

Kun 

Self-Portrait Series 1-3

New Media Art Exhibition - Cica Museum

2024 Seoul Korea

Wong Kar-Wai is renowned for his distinctive cinematic style, characterized by a unique blend of visual and thematic elements. Here are specific influences of his work that can be seen in Kun's images:

1.Moody and Intimate Lighting:
  - Wong Kar-wai often uses low, moody lighting to create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth. The first image’s sepia tone and soft lighting resemble this technique, creating a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere.

Which Kun can master that feeling!

2. Unconventional Framing and Composition:
  - Wong is known for his creative use of framing and composition, often employing unusual angles and close-ups. The second and third images of Kun Fang 's digitals reflect this with their close-up shots and non-traditional framing, focusing on parts of the face or body to convey emotion and detail.

3. Nostalgic and Dreamy Visuals:
  - Wong Kar-wai frequently employs visuals that evoke nostalgia and a dreamlike quality, often achieved through filters, blurs, and vintage aesthetics. The first image, with its vintage sepia filter and soft focus, and the other two images with their ethereal gradient backgrounds, mimic this style, adding a surreal and timeless quality. That all you can discover in the visuals of Kun Fang.

4.Expressive Use of Color:
  - While Wong Kar-wai is known for his vibrant use of color, particularly reds and blues, to enhance mood and emotion, the use of color gradients in the second and third images creates a similar effect.Y Kun Fang's images the gradients add an emotional depth and abstract quality that mirrors Wong’s expressive color palettes.

5.Poetic and Symbolic Elements:
  - Wong’s films often contain symbolic imagery and objects that carry deeper meanings. In the first image, the antique vase and the character's contemplative pose could symbolize themes of memory, longing, or introspection, much like Wong’s symbolic use of objects and settings.

These elements together create a visual style reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai's evocative and highly stylized approach to filmmaking in the art of Kun Fang , focusing on mood, emotion, and a sense of timelessness.

Exhibition of Consolidated History 

Goldsmith University of London 

Nostalgia Unveiled: A Glimpse into the Golden Age of Shanghai through Kun Fang's Lens

In the enchanting narrative of "China, a Monthly Exhibition Consolidated History," Kun Fang transports us to a bygone era with her evocative photograph, reminiscent of the esteemed John Thomson. Captured in timeless black and white, the image unfolds a poignant tableau—an elegant woman cradling an amphora adorned with rice flower.
Complementing this visual journey, Kun Fang introduces us to a world where words transcend time. She pens an ancient poem in a language long forgotten, immersing us in the essence of a golden age. The verses echo with sentiments of butterflies enamored by flowers, a world indifferent to their dance. "Nanjing is my home," the poet declares, grounding us in a sense of place and belonging.
The poetry continues to weave a dreamscape where stars arrive with the wind and depart in the rain, mirroring the ephemeral nature of aspirations. Kun Fang eloquently expresses the loss of a soul, encapsulating the human experience within the folds of nostalgia. Yet, amidst this poignant reflection, she declares, "There is my home," inviting us to explore the sanctuary of dreams.
In a final enchanting note, the artist invites us to envision her playing the pipa on a bed, a nostalgic ode to the golden age of Shanghai in the 1930s. This dreamy tableau transports us to an era of glamour, sophistication, and cultural richness.
The photograph, captured by Tommy Van Gompel, serves as a visual anchor, freezing a moment that transcends time. Kun Fang's fusion of image and ancient verse crafts a unique narrative that invites the audience to step into the enchanting realms of Shanghai's past. The exhibition on February 21 in the grand hall of the Richard Hoggart Building promises not only a visual feast but also a journey into the soul of nostalgia, guided by Kun Fang's poetic lens.

Marc Kessel 's word's about Kun Fang' s photo art. 

(on the hands that mystically writes versus on the hands that mystically create) Kun 's reflection on Madame Guyon 

In the ethereal depths of this photography series, nostalgia and polychrome elements intertwine, weaving a tapestry of mystical narratives. Through the lens of Marc De Kesel's contemplative prose, each frame becomes a portal to a bygone era, where memories are bathed in the soft glow of longing. The polychrome abstraction, a distillation of nostalgic imagery, breathes new life into the past, transforming pixels into monochrome masterpieces. Just as Madame Guyon's mystical texts anticipate the literary endeavors of centuries to come, these photographs transcend the boundaries of time, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transcendence. In the delicate interplay between nostalgia and polychrome abstraction, the hand that captures these fleeting moments becomes a conduit for mystical revelation, echoing the sacred act of writing that defined Guyon's spiritual legacy.