Robust and Simple: Perceptible Purity in Cen Long’s “Invisible Passages”

The expansive dark exhibition space exudes a solemn atmosphere. Stepping into the display area, Cen Long's works hang on the dark walls, complemented by simple lighting that immediately captivates the audience. Organized by Han Art at ART TAIPEI 2021, the exhibition titled "The Unseen Passage: Cen Long's Dialogue with Western Art History" showcases Cen Long's awe-inspiring works in a serene dark setting, intensifying the impact of the images.

Born in Guangdong in 1957, Cen Long, a graduate of Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts, has received numerous awards in Chinese art competitions since the 1980s, showcasing his solid artistic skills. Despite his substantial background, the low-profile artist has stayed away from commercial interests. Lin Xuanhan, the head of Han Art, was deeply moved upon seeing Cen Long's works for the first time and believed that promoting such talent to the commercial market was necessary, leading to a profound collaboration between Han Art and Cen Long for over a decade.

Cen Long's works predominantly feature figures, ranging from group portraits to solitary individuals, each resonating profoundly with the others. Lin Xuanhan notes that although the characters in the paintings are fictional, viewers may feel a sense of familiarity or recognize people from their past, allowing them to immerse themselves in the scenes. The use of low chromatic colors and the dark, hazy background create a solemn and melancholic atmosphere, reflecting the artist's natural expression of his experiences and conveying the intense emotions of the subjects.

The exhibition "The Unseen Passage" at ART TAIPEI 2021 is not aimed at sales; instead, it seeks to provide a high-level academic experience for visitors to deeply appreciate the unique and precious qualities in Cen Long's creations. Originally planned for a solo exhibition in Venice in March 2022, Lin Xuanhan believed that Taiwanese audiences deserved a chance to witness the exhibition up close, leading to its premiere at ART TAIPEI 2021. As Cen Long's focus shifts gradually toward Europe and the United States, opportunities for exposure in Taiwan are expected to decrease, making the exhibition during ART TAIPEI a rare occasion for the public.

Due to enthusiastic responses from Taiwanese collectors, all of Cen Long's works have been subscribed, and buyers who were hesitant last year have expressed their intention to purchase this year. Lin Xuanhan is grateful for the support. Regrettably, due to the pandemic and the artist's personal health, Cen Long cannot be present to interact with the Taiwanese audience. To compensate for this, each artwork in the exhibition provides a QR code for visitors to scan, allowing them to listen to a commentary recorded by the artist, providing a more in-depth understanding of each piece.

Additionally, Han Art has set up the exhibition area "Essence and Existence: Which Comes First?" featuring five artists, including Cen Long, presenting a range of artistic forms from realistic to abstract, all responding to the philosophical theme with a unified tone of quiet, purity, and spirituality. Another section serves as a space for the sub-brand "Nan Shizi Bookstore," offering a more flexible dimension for art collections. This area includes original illustrations created by Cen Long for Han Art's publications, showcasing the artist's spontaneous yet captivating style.

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