Mix Ink Grapes (for Bacchus & Xu Wei) (2020-2021)
By Lee Ju-Lyn in collaboration with Shitong of Pulp Editions

This series pays homage to Bacchus, God of wine, vines, and insanity, and references the ink painting of grapes by Xu Wei (1521-1593), who was afflicted with mental distress.

The works also present other concerns like hybridity between East and Western ideas and identity that are characteristic of the artist's works.

These works are produced in collaboration with Shitong of Pulp Editions in 2020, at Jendela art Esplanade which hosted the artist for a short residency in the art gallery space.

The works question the purposes of art-making, for instance, with the less restrained applications of Printmaking (editioning) used here as part of the several mark-making processes. The others being drawing, writing and even stamping (also printmaking) with the Chinese seal carving. Thus, all the works are monotype prints (1 edition only), although borne of the same plate, to invoke the spirit of spontaneity that is fundamental in ink paintings. These refer back to the conceptual references of Xu Wei and Bacchus. The conceptual resolution is achieved through the creation process that reveals how the seeking of pleasure is as valid as the purpose itself.

The combination of materials used are unique for each work, which are executed on different papers, but may include the following:
Oil-based block printing ink
Water-based block printing ink
Chinese ink
Chinese paint
Watersoluble colour pencil
Highlighter colour
Seal paste

All works on this page are A4 size

updated 1 Jun 2021