Contemporary by Angela Li is proud to present solo exhibition of Beijing-based artist Wu Didi, “extra/ordinary.” Wu’s works explore the quiet abundance of nature, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary and inspiring viewers to reflect on ourselves and our relations to the environment around us.
Contemporary society is saturated with endless information, ideologies, and material desires, often leaving people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once observed that human desire is insatiable; the fleeting pleasure of fulfilment fades quickly, compelling us to constantly seek more. Amidst this relentless pursuit, Wu’s minimalist oil paintings stand out for their ingenuity and simplicity. Combining the essence of Western abstraction with Chinese literati paintings, she appropriates natural elements embedded in cultural consciousness. Bamboo twists and contorts without severing; moss grows on rocks, forming self-contained microcosms; birds weave through intricate spiderwebs—each transcending its inherent natural state. Through deconstruction, refinement and reconstruction, these familiar elements are transformed into unexpected forms on the canvas, expanding our perception of the ordinary nature.
The backgrounds of Wu’s works may appear blank at first glance, but they are, in fact, built upon layers of overlapping paint, revealing depth only upon closer examination. The seemingly silent compositions are imbued with meticulous brushstrokes, enriching their visual resonance. Wu’s creations embody the uncertainty that life should embrace—discovering unseen dimensions within the familiar.
“extra/ordinary” highlights the fluidity and unknown within the everyday, reminding us to remain perceptive, as true meaning often lies hidden beneath the surface. Through this exhibition, the artist invites us to reconsider the value and significance of life—not as something found solely in endless pursuit, but as something deeply embedded in the rhythm of daily existence and its enduring cycles.
