Exhibition

Making Natural Sense

Dates

27 June – 27 July 2024

Location

Gallery GAo ShAn

Snellmaninkatu 15
00170 Helsinki
Finland

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"Making Natural Sense," a solo exhibition that celebrates the nuanced artistry of acclaimed artist Didi NG Wing Yin. Born in Hong Kong and having resided in Helsinki for several years, Didi holds a master’s degree in interior architecture from Aalto University. His dual heritage profoundly influences his artistic vision, which is rooted in the dialogue between the manmade and the natural.

In his work, Didi explores the overlapping space where human creativity and natural beauty coexist harmoniously. The ten new works unveiled at this exhibition are a testament to Didi’s profound love for nature and his innovative woodworking techniques.

Didi’s Eastern roots and deep connection with the Finnish forests converge in an artistic language that transcends conventional boundaries of art and design. This hybrid identity is evident in works that oscillate between being sculptures and art objects, between form and function, and between emotion and utility. In these works, it is often difficult to distinguish where nature ends and human intervention begins. Natural harmony can be achieved when human intervention respects the intrinsic properties of the material.

In Didi’s "wood feathers," the traditional notion of wood as a solid and rigid material is subverted into a feather-like texture that evokes the gentle touch of nature, inviting viewers to engage with it on a sensory level.

The "wood pleats" works draw out the poetic beauty of wood. By employing a brushing technique, Didi emphasizes the natural grain of the wood, giving it a cloth-like appearance that is light and multifaceted.

Didi NG Wing Yin’s innovative approach has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was honored with the Rising Star of the Year Award at the Scandinavian Design Awards, recognizing his ability to translate his poetic vision into highly elegant artifacts.

"I enjoy the changes and contrasts throughout the working process, from noisy to quiet; from fast to slow; and from rough to refined. It feels like building a relationship with wood," Didi NG Wing Yin describes his approach to making art. This relationship is evident in his use of materials, ranging from factory-sourced wood to found branches, each chosen intuitively and treated with equal respect and creativity.

His accessible yet profound art encourages a deeper contemplation of our environment and our place within it, challenging us to reconsider our perceptions of this familiar material. The approach found in the Tao Te Ching resonates with Didi: “Do not force yourself to do things beyond your capabilities, but strive to excel in what you are capable of. Stay humble." We invite you to explore this outstanding collection and discover the intricate beauty of Didi NG Wing Yin’s wood art.