(Photo: SHINE)
Art has traditionally had an inspirational function based on the past and the present since, on the one hand, it represents complexity, and, on the other hand, it depicts the happening events. Yang Yexin, the young artist who made a name for himself in M50 with the solo exhibition "We are all autistic patients," attempts to grapple with the problem of autism in society boldly and with astonishing fervor. At the same time, this show continues until the 15th of May. It was curated by Bu Da and dives deeply into the concept of autism and how it sheds.
.
Challenging Conventions
Yang Yexin's collection comprises 12 diverse art pieces spanning performance art, installations, videos, and oil paintings created between 2010 and 2024. Through his work, Yang challenges the conventional understanding of autism, shedding light on its prevalence and universality in today's society.
In the era of globalization and the rapid rise of social media, Bu Da notes how societal dynamics have increasingly led to a sense of isolated autism in everyday life. Through his exhibition, Yang probes the traditional framework of autism, unveiling its relevance to a wider spectrum of individuals within modern society.
A Broader Understanding
Autism, a condition affecting over 10 million people in China alone, is often characterized by communication barriers in language, social interactions, and behavior. Yet, Yang expands the notion of autism beyond its clinical definition, identifying a larger segment of society affected by similar challenges in social interaction.
Artistic Exploration
Yang's art offers a window into the inner world of individuals grappling with autism. His exploration of this theme began 15 years ago, driven by his belief that autism has evolved into a societal ailment with the potential to touch everyone.
One of the exhibition's standout pieces is "The loneliness of autism," a video work capturing a performance art piece conducted by Yang in 2010. In this poignant portrayal, an autistic individual sits at the heart of a Shanghai square, enveloped in black threads until they are ensnared in a metaphorical "sea of threads." This visual metaphor powerfully conveys the torment of loneliness and isolation experienced by those with autism.
Similarly striking is "No Talking Today Series II," another video work created by Yang in 2014. During the Shanghai Biennale, Yang orchestrated a silent protest, inviting over 100 young artists to sit in silence atop thousands of art magazines. This silent demonstration aimed to critique the detachment of contemporary art from societal realities, branding it as an "autistic art" catering to the privileged few.
A Call to Action
Using his art as a vehicle, Yang Yexin asks the viewers to confront the socially arranged obstacles behind the almost detached way of life and loneliness. He, thus, makes the discourse on autism more inclusive so that society as a whole is turned toward re-evaluating the way we relate to each other in the ever-digitizing and splintering world.
In "We are all autistic patients," Yang Yexin urges us to rethink our part in the world defined by the egocentric attitude and isolation described in the story. He conveys heart-stirring ideas and memoirs through empathetic and thought-provoking words that invite people to extend a hand of compassion, dialogue, and unity in their relations.
Meaningful interactions between viewers and Yang's artwork reach the common human experiences of loneliness, estrangement, and a yearning for connection, empowering them to feel united and beyond headings and descriptions. In the deep dive into human nature, Yexin Yang urgently pursues the idea that empathy and solidarity are fundamental to overcoming the dividing boundaries that keep us from each other.
Related Article: Architects Navigate Metaverse's Impact on Retail Design and Consumer Engagement
