HOT POT, 2011 © C.H.I
C.H.I Ike Lei's solo exhibition "The Cutting Edge of China - CHINESE CUTTING EDGE -" will be held from November 17 at DIESEL ART GALLERY, a space that invites artists of various genres from around the world and holds art exhibitions four times a year.
C.H.I Pond Lei (Chili) is a Chinese artist born in 1981, a versatile creator who works across a variety of genres, including photographer, designer, rock singer, film director, and magazine editor.
The exhibition is curated by Yasumasa Yonehara, an editor and photographer known for his involvement in the launch of "egg" magazine, and will be C.H.I Ike Lei's first solo exhibition in Japan, featuring approximately 60 works, both representative and new.
In addition to the exhibited works, related goods will be on sale during the exhibition. What is China today as expressed by C.H.I Pond Lei, the most popular contemporary artist in Beijing? Please come and see for yourself. Also,Special SitePlease also check out the latest information on the event at the following website!
DESIRE IN THE CAN, 2015 © C.H.I
NO TITLE, 2014 © C.H.I
SIX FEET UNDER, 2012 © C.H.I
SOCIAL NEW RELIGION, 2014 © C.H.I
TUMBLEDOWN SPLENDID PERFORMANCE, 2014 © C.H.I
Below are comments from curators Yasumasa Yonehara and C.H.I Ike Lei.
The Chinese Art Scene Today (Yonehara Yasumasa)
The information about "rising tensions with China" lacks the faces and feelings of the people living in the city. We must start by getting to know the individuals in China, not just the image of the Chinese people as a single group that is broadcast by the media. It is nearly impossible to sense this from the daily political propaganda from the West.
What can art do?"
To express the reality that surrounds the artist through the artist's filter. And to let the viewers perceive that reality. C.H.I Pond Lei, the artist introduced here, formed a hardcore punk band in 1996 in Shijiazhuang, a small city in southwest Beijing, and began his career as an artist by making flyers for their live shows. His red Mohawk, which can be seen in the video from that time, tells us a history of China that we do not know. Today, C.H.I. Ike Lei's artwork is diverse and his field continues to expand. Looking at his works, one common image emerges among them. It is the fact that the more dazzling the shining part is, the darker the shadow stretching behind it becomes.
I! Dropout PUNK!
After dropping out, I got into photography and realized that there are just as many crazies in the photography world as there are in the music world. Rebellious by nature. Like my dad, he also has a sense of responsibility like a good communist! One day, in a fit of rage, he smashed his bass guitar and picked up a camera instead. I decided to do something awesome and show those idiots what I could do!
Come on folks, take a look at these pictures of our fucked up world. I feel like this picture is a big slap in the face to the society and assholes we are living in now.
Text_Jun Nakada
CHINESE CUTTING EDGE - Artist: C.H.I Ike Lei (Chili)
Dates: Friday, November 17, 2017 - Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Venue: DIESEL ART GALLERY
Address: B1F cocoti, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6427-5955
Hours: 11:30 - 21:00
Admission: Free
Closed: No regular holidays
www.diesel.co.jp/art
