Interpreting Discomfort: Exploring the Art of YunFen Wang

A Unique Blend of Oil Paint and Emotion

Wang's series is a staged recreation of her own experiences, which she believes resonate with many others. In a world where we are constantly concerned about how others perceive us, our invisible living standards have become intertwined with our sense of self. "Interpreting Discomfort" aims to shed light on these issues and initiate a dialogue about the discomfort and stress that permeate our daily lives.

One of the unique aspects of Wang's work is her exploration of the fine line between caring actions and overwhelming attention. While acts of concern often bring people closer together, an excess of attention can lead to discomfort. Through her paintings, Wang questions how much attention is too much and examines the formation of this discomfort. She invites viewers to contemplate the comfortable distance of interaction between individuals.

Wang employs a combination of indirect and direct painting techniques to bring her vision to life. The classic realistic oil painting technique, known as indirect painting, involves completing the artwork in black and white before applying glazes of color. In contrast, direct painting is a contemporary method that involves directly layering adjusted colors onto the canvas. By using both techniques, Wang creates a visually striking and emotionally evocative experience for the viewer.

The materials used in Wang's artwork include oil paint, wood panel, and canvas. The paintings come in various sizes, ranging from 12 x 12 inches to 24 x 48 inches, allowing for a diverse and immersive viewing experience.

Displayed in galleries, Wang's paintings serve as tools for conversation. They spark discussions about the discomforts we encounter in our daily lives and encourage viewers to reflect on their own experiences. The surrealistic elements, such as the combination of eyes and hands, create an unnatural yet captivating atmosphere that draws viewers in and invites them to explore the emotions depicted in the artwork.

The "Interpreting Discomfort" project began in San Francisco in 2020 and has since gained recognition on an international scale. Wang's work was featured in the Contemporary Venice exhibition in Italy in 2021 and the Small Works exhibition in New York in the same year.

Through extensive research, Wang has honed her ability to create an uncomfortable atmosphere in her artwork. She has found that the eyes and hands are particularly effective in expressing emotions and generating intrigue. By combining these elements in her paintings, she captures the attention of viewers and prompts them to delve deeper into the underlying themes.

Creating this series presented its challenges for Wang. The ideation process and establishing the right atmosphere were particularly demanding. Ensuring that the hands in the paintings harmoniously fit within the composition without sacrificing their aesthetic appeal required careful consideration and artistic finesse.

YunFen Wang's "Interpreting Discomfort" series has garnered acclaim and recognition, including the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2022. This award celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill while contributing to improvements in quality of life.