Utopia in Little Box：2023 Ping Hung Shen Solo Exhibition

When I was young, I had a small box, just a plain cardboard box, but it was a treasure trove to me. Inside were marbles, a silver squirrel button, and little paper dolls I had drawn myself. I would often hide in a secret spot and rummage through these tiny "treasures", immersing myself in my own little world. In those moments, my worries were shut out, and all that remained was peace and joy. This was my utopia. I believe everyone may have a small box like this, containing their own utopia. Whether it's the pure memories of childhood or cherished happy moments now, these things can bring us peace and joy at any given time. So, I've decided to open my small box and share my utopia with you through this exhibition.

This exhibition is not only a nostalgic journey back to childhood memories but also an exploration of hope and choices. Inside, you'll find AKSOULMUCH's BOSS wielding a machine gun—but fear not, its bullets aren't meant to harm but to spread joy in the form of "bubble cows." As countless "bubble cows" float in the air, each with an awkwardly polite smile, you might find yourself grinning. These bubbles create a dreamlike atmosphere and symbolize the choices we face in life. With every pull of the trigger, are we firing bullets that take life or bubbles that bring laughter? Everyone has the power to choose, to make decisions that lead to better outcomes.

Every work is imbued with this contemplation.

Utopia (2023), a luminous 90.7 x 65 cm canvas, is a celebration of childhood innocence. Painted in a harmonious blend of spray paint, oil, and acrylic, the artwork captures the radiant glow of cherished possessions—simple treasures that once filled our days with wonder and delight.

The Secret Happy Moment (2020), a luminous 90.7 x 65 cm canvas, is a celebration of the joy found in shared experiences. Rendered in vibrant oils and acrylics, the painting captures the ethereal beauty of a rain-soaked forest. Matisse's circular compositions inspired the artwork's central motif, a small circle that reflects the colorful interplay of light and shadow. This reflective circle symbolizes our interconnectedness and serves as a reminder of our shared moments of happiness.

Share (2023) is a poetic exploration of the profound bond between humans and animals. Rendered in oil paint, the canvas depicts two squirrels, my dearest friends, who have shown me the true meaning of companionship. Their presence has illuminated my life with a gentle, enduring light.

Choice (2023) is a dreamlike exploration of the power of human choice. The painting depicts a gun transformed into a conduit of peace, firing a cascade of delicate daisy petals. The accompanying sculpture, crafted from resin and clay, invites viewers to contemplate the tangible impact of their decisions. Together, these elements create a visual and tactile experience that celebrates the beauty and possibility that lies within each choice.

Peaceful (2023) is a 26 x 38 cm colored pencil meditation on the power of hope. The gentle strokes and delicate petals create a serene and ethereal atmosphere. Each daisy, a symbol of resilience, reminds us of the beauty and possibility that lies within us all.

Joyful Bubbles (2023) is a dreamscape brought to life. The gallery itself becomes the canvas for this experiential artwork, where visitors become active participants. As you wander through the exhibition, surrounded by floating bubble cows and nostalgic imagery, you become a part of the art. Each bubble, suspended in mid-air, invites contemplation and reflection, carrying with it the promise of joy and wonder.

More Art and BTS from the Show:

Thank you for co-creating this utopia with me. Your presence has made this exhibition whole. Together, we have filled my little box with a new treasure, a testament to our shared dreams. I'm grateful for your journey into my world, where reality and imagination intertwine.

Dive back into the dreamlike world of the exhibition with our Spotify playlist, "Utopia in Little Box". Let the music be your passport to a place where imagination knows no bounds.

Special thanks to:

• Boxday Gallery: Instagram @boxday__gallery
• Curator: Kenneth Yu
• Exhibition Video/Stills: Jed Weng - Instagram @jed19900225
• Exhibition Stills: Tiger Lin - Instagram @tigerlin