Taiwanese artist UngCha will be showcasing his inaugural solo exhibition, titled "The Wedding Banquet 2024," at the Thomas VanDyke Gallery in New York City throughout LGBTQ+ Pride month, from June 1st to 30th. This exhibition draws inspiration from the traditional Taiwanese wedding banquet and is structured into two main segments: the wedding banquet itself and the bridal chamber. Through a blend of installations, soft sculptures, and intricately crafted paper-cut artworks, UngCha imbues his creations with a nuanced blend of dark humor and unexpected twists, delving into themes such as gender dynamics, cultural conflicts, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
Paying homage to the renowned Taiwanese director Ang Lee's iconic 1993 film, "The Wedding Banquet," a screening of the movie will kick off the exhibition on June 1st at 8:00 pm, setting the stage for a contemplation of the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. In the context of current times, "The Wedding Banquet 2024” invites viewers to ponder the true equality of gender diversity.
UngCha's background as a former occupational therapist infuses his artistic exploration with psychological and sociological insights. He views art as a potent medium for articulating the profound truths that often go unspoken, yet deeply influence our lives. Through "The Wedding Banquet 2024," UngCha courageously challenges conventional social norms, prompting viewers to reexamine and reinterpret the inherent complexities in the interplay between traditional and contemporary values.
UngCha - The Wedding Banquet 2024
Date: June 1st-30th 2024
Opening Reception: June 1st 6:00 PM
Opening Hours: 1:00-6:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Venue: Thomas VanDyke Gallery (434 39th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232)
Website: https://thomasvandyke.com/
About the Artist
UngCha (黃竑嘉) was born in 1992 in Kaohsiung and is based in Taipei. He holds dual master's degrees in Occupational Therapy from Kaohsiung Medical University and Communications Design from Shih Chien University. He currently works as a lecturer in the Department of Communications Design at Shih Chien University. Previously employed as an occupational therapist, he decided to transition into the world of art as a means of healing and self-expression after vicariously experiencing trauma while working with patients and their families. His art often utilizes unconventional materials and takes on various forms, including sculpture, painting, installations, photography, and photographic drawing, to convey his personal and collective experiences of trauma within a patriarchal society. His artistic expression frequently incorporates dark humor and a playful style, reflecting his challenge to conventional societal identity definitions and his unique worldview. His work “Strength" was featured in the 2021 European premier independent art magazine "King Kong Garçon: issue 6 Obsession”.