Wang Haiyang's 'Love Dart' Explores Desire and Darkness at Capsule Shanghai Venice
At Capsule Shanghai's temporary Venetian venue, the solo exhibition 'Love Dart' showcases the work of Chinese artist Wang Haiyang, who was born in 1984 in Shandong and currently resides in Beijing. Curated by Manuela Lietti, the exhibition features watercolors and oils that portray hybrid, sexually fluid figures set against surreal forest backdrops. The title draws inspiration from the hermaphroditism of land snails and their 'love dart' confrontations, serving as metaphors for gender fluidity. Formerly a video and animation artist, Wang integrates his past experiences into this exploration of darkness and fear, distancing himself from labels like 'gay artist' to emphasize the broader themes of his work. The exhibition also includes video pieces influenced by David Lynch and incorporates a Zen saying to highlight the uncanny aspects of his visually striking creations.
Key facts
- Wang Haiyang's solo exhibition 'Love Dart' is held at Capsule Shanghai's temporary Venetian space in a Dorsoduro palace.
- The exhibition is curated by Manuela Lietti.
- The title 'Love Dart' is inspired by the reproductive process of land snails, involving hermaphroditism and cartilaginous darts.
- Wang Haiyang was born in 1984 in Shandong and lives and works in Beijing.
- Wang worked as a video and animation artist for about ten years before focusing on painting.
- The show includes watercolors, oils, and video works.
- Wang rejects classification as a gay artist, stating his work transcends sexual binaries.
- Wang cites David Lynch and a Zen saying as influences on the uncanny elements in his work.
Entities
Artists
- Wang Haiyang
- David Lynch
- Josef Albers
- Alberto Villa
- Manuela Lietti
Institutions
- Capsule Shanghai
- Cassina Projects
- Artribune
- Università Bocconi
Locations
- Venice
- Dorsoduro
- Shandong
- Beijing
- Milan
- Germany