From October 17 to 19, 2024, Vancouver's Lipont Gallery became the stage for an intersection of contemporary art and philosophical thought. Curated by Y Manifesto and organized by Peeling States, the "Call It a Day" exhibition not only showcased a series of artistic creations but also delved deep into themes of imperfection and acceptance in today’s society. With its delicate and profound artistic expression, the exhibition redefined the understanding of imperfection and left a lasting impression on Vancouver's art scene.
The exhibition featured a diverse array of artists, including Yuwei (Rita) Li, Shixiong Zhang, Mingxuan Yu, Jingwei Zeng, Zixi (Poppy) Liu, Chunhan Chen, Peipei Li, Ge Song, Yixiang (Tim) Li, Xiang Zhai, Mingyue Qu, Chunxuan Yu, Siyuan Ma & Andi Zhou, Ziyi Wang & Chenshuo Xu, Lin Li (Ruki), and Yilun Li. These artists used different media and techniques to explore the concept of imperfection and present their profound insights into the human condition.
The exhibition’s title, “Call It a Day,” originates from a common Western expression symbolizing the acceptance of incompleteness or imperfection. This notion closely aligns with Zen Buddhist philosophy, which emphasizes living in the moment and accepting each instant as it is. The exhibition goes beyond surface-level interpretations and invites audiences to transcend binary thinking and delve into a deeper understanding: imperfection is not a flaw but an inevitable and valuable aspect of life.
This philosophy resonates with the Japanese concept of *Wabi-sabi*, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and incompleteness. Like traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, or gardening, "Call It a Day" conveys a restrained beauty, showcasing the inevitable cracks and fleeting nature of life. In these works, the audience not only sees the artists' reflections on life but also experiences a sense of harmony and tranquility within imperfection.
The exhibition's success is deeply rooted in the thoughtful curation by the experienced team. Lead curator Xuechen Wang brought her global perspective, honed through her work with top galleries like Tang Contemporary and Saatchi Yates, to this exhibition. She expertly balanced commercial art with philosophical exploration, offering not only visual enjoyment but also intellectual stimulation.
Executive curator Nephelo Jiang, founder of Peeling States, ensured the precise execution of the exhibition’s themes. She, along with honorary curator Wenjie Xu, infused the exhibition with an international scope, making it even more compelling within the global contemporary art landscape.
Additionally, the esteemed panel of judges contributed valuable insights. Scholar Yuan Zhuang, an expert in fine art and visual imagery, added academic depth to the evaluation of the works. Graphic designer Peiyao (Heather) Tang, known for her focus on social issues, brought a fresh perspective to the exhibition. Yefu Liu’s interest in socio-political themes and black humor added a critical edge, making the exhibition not just a visual feast but a thought-provoking encounter.
In today’s fast-paced world, where people are often overwhelmed by the societal pressure to achieve perfection, "Call It a Day" stands as a timely response. Through its artworks and philosophical inquiry, the exhibition reminds people to accept life’s imperfections and find peace within incompleteness. This message resonated not only with those within the art world but also with individuals seeking solace in mindfulness and Zen practices.
The success of the exhibition goes beyond its philosophical depth, offering new directions for contemporary art globally. The collaboration between Y Manifesto and Peeling States highlights their curatorial expertise and lays the foundation for future projects. Their next step is to bring this dialogue to global art capitals such as Los Angeles, London, and Milan, continuing the exploration of imperfection and the human experience.
"Call It a Day" provided its audience with more than an aesthetic experience—it offered them a chance to reflect on the profound philosophy of acceptance. In a modern society that constantly demands more from us, this exhibition offers an alternative: to embrace imperfection and seek inner tranquility. It was not just an artistic experience but also a spiritual revelation. As the exhibition conveys, art has the power to inspire introspection and growth, with its impact extending far beyond the gallery walls to touch the very core of our being.
Published By: Khy Talara
