Dimply Bumpy by Pei Wu and Elias Neuspiel

中文版 - Chinese version      

Artist list

Elias Neuspiel, Pei Wu

In 2023, Wu Pei was invited to present her solo exhibition, The Dynamic Equilibrium In-between | Wu Pei, at Small Gallery. Exploring relationships—from those within her family of origin to interpersonal connections—she uses "stone" to convey emotional narratives while simultaneously shaping the material through emotion. She often creates a certain illusion, transforming originally stable and hard stone into something soft and full of tension. In her works, the final state of the crystals transcends mere transparency and brightness, often refracting a hazy, soft glow that seems to flow slowly across undulating surfaces. In her recent pieces, Wu Pei experiments with superimposing two types of stone, allowing them to "merge into one," thereby exploring and reshaping new possibilities.
 
If Wu Pei's work begins with constructing the self to delve into the profound relationships between individuals, Elias's perspective is entirely different. As a European creator based in Asia, he moves among diverse cultural communities, actively seeking connections and resonance between the collective and the individual. Take his work Primitive Community as an example: he cuts elongated smoky quartz into segments that fit perfectly together, creating a series of concave and convex stone pieces. Each piece retains its unique color and inclusions—they exist as individual entities, yet can be linked into a complete stone chain through precise interlocking. This is Elias's tangible interpretation of "relationships." His works often incorporate woven "threads," which not only serve functional purposes for wearing but also act as an indispensable creative language. Although silk threads are soft and fine, when gathered and twisted together, they become remarkably strong. The threads penetrate the stones, becoming their sinews and bones. Different elements achieve balance through interweaving, enabling each other to become more complete.
/ Xiao Liang