Artist Q & A: Eric Louie on his exhibition "Finding a Way"
Eric Louie invents dynamic virtual worlds through the application of many thin layers of luminescent glazes. We discussed some of the new motifs in his daring new body of work for his upcoming solo exhibition at Bau-Xi Vancouver.
1) You mention the terms monolithic, symmetry and vanitas when describing your new series. Can you tell us what these terms mean to you?
Monolithic: basically I see the figure or body, or perhaps a word/ icon or symbol. Oneness and individualism is another aspect of myself
Symmetry: Much like the face, most things in nature have some level of asymmetry. The balance between symmetry and idealization is a sign of beauty in our world. My works are all asymmetrical because I’m interested in imperfections and nuances.
Vanitas: Ephemeral, life to death processes. My paintings titled ‘Flux’ & ‘Visor’ attempt to fuse imagery reminiscent of floral and winged insects together to form faces of a skull for instance. They are symbols of life combined to make imagery of beauty and fragility.
2) There appear to be a few totemic elements in this new collection like moths, butterflies, and snakes. Can you tell us about them?
The butterfly and snake-like imagery evolved from taking regular forms from my work and mirroring them. Much like Rorschach Test images, the symmetry creates something subconsciously recognizable which is interesting. Many of the images speak to something of life and rebirth. I love how they take on a symbolic level and hit on semiotics or iconography.
3) What was your show title "Finding a Way" inspired by?
"Finding A Way" speaks to life and how there is a will to survive and adapt. Much like the world we are in now, we power through and overcome because evolution is key.
The smaller works take on evolution in a way...they all connect to create a family of characters or individuals of a larger group. They show connection and change from within.
Eric Louie's exhibition "Finding a Way" will be on view at Bau-Xi Vancouver from September 12-26, 2020