A Window at A Space
Curated by Shuang Cai, Yitong Chen
From the Renaissance use of windows to master perspective, to their role in illuminating domestic life in Dutch Golden Age paintings, windows have long framed more than just the view beyond the glass—they frame history, culture, and human emotion. They serve as a threshold between spaces, bridging the divide between the natural and artificial, the
physical and the digital, and the real and the representational. They frame the passage of time, inviting us to reflect on the cyclical nature of existence and the ephemerality of moments in our surroundings. "A Window at A Space" encourages artists to explore these themes, using the gallery as a canvas to express the everyday significance of windows. In this exhibition, windows are reimagined not only as architectural elements but as portals and thresholds that offer views into different realities. The windows presented in this show foster dialogue among viewers, prompting them to reconsider the mundane with fresh eyes and engage deeply with the shared experiences unfolded through each piece.
Windows frames memories: Basharat Ali Syed's series, "Khatamband," transforms a series of window frames into surrealist portals, Syed's experimental photography delves deep into the recesses of personal history, reflecting on childhood memories marked by war and political turbulence. Complementing this exploration of past and place, the "Transient Homes" series by Matilda Yueyang Peng merges photographic prints with text to examine the contemporary
phenomenon of voluntary dislocation. Through visual and textual narratives, the piece captures the emotional and identity shifts experienced by individuals as they curate temporary spaces, reflecting on the impermanence and personal significance of these transient homes.
Windows frame vibes: The palette of Tiantian Lou's "Sunset Cross Rd." series paints a dance of transformation that blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces, echoing the architectural ethos of challenging static norms. In David Yang’s "Little Ambience," the artist employs calm technology to subtly recreate sensations of light and smell, enhancing living
spaces with the essence of beloved places or people. Inspired by Taiwanese architectural aesthetics, this project offers a gentle contrast to today's sharp technological interfaces, inviting reflection on the subtle ways we remain connected to what we cherish.
Windows frames spaces: Extending the architectural dialogue into the digital realm, Yi-chun Lan’s □ ▢ ▣ ❒ ❑ ❐ ▭ ▯ ▤ ▥ ▬ ▖ ▘ ▭ offers viewers a glimpse into a web space that explores our relationship with physical structures and windows, crafting a narrative that melds the digital and physical into a continuous exploration of space. Adding to windows' ability to frame spaces, “At Home, on the Road” by Adnan Aga, Usman Jamil, and Mark Chan juxtaposes stillness with movement and the commercial with the personal. This piece rethinks our engagement with vehicles and domestic spaces, reflecting on the impact of car-centric urban planning while contrasting the tranquility of a home scene with the momentum of a car window.
Beyond the pieces highlighted, "A Window at A Space" features a range of artworks that further explore the multifaceted roles of windows in shaping human experience. These additional works continue to push the boundaries of how we perceive and interact with the spaces around us, enhancing our understanding of the world as seen through the varied lenses of artists’ imaginations. Every window opens to a different reality, offering new vistas of familiar landscapes
and reframing our perspectives. As you move through all of the spaces windowed, consider how each view shifts your perception and deepens your connection to the world both inside and beyond the frame. Through this collective exploration, "A Window at A Space" reaffirms the window’s enduring power to open up dialogues between the visible and invisible, the past and the present, the encapsulated and the infinite.
