Those Mountainous Places - Chen Yu CHO Solo Exhibition

「那些山的所在」文：卓振宇

In 2019, faced with the passing of a loved one, I was overwhelmed by an unexpected sorrow that left me trapped in a deep emotional mire. However, I chose to transform this grief into a profound reflection on the meaning and value of life. This led me to embark on an exploration of the world and an in-depth pursuit of understanding, ultimately creating the character of the “Rice People” and a series of adventurous journeys. Through a collection of works inspired by ancient painting styles, I extended the timeline into the future, exploring contemporary issues and constructing a re-narrated visual language.

At first, I believed that the “Rice People” were simply the ultimate manifestation of my emotions, a spiritual tether born from my personal experiences. However, I later realized that such a group had long existed on Earth. Since the Rice Bang, the great explosion that gave birth to them, the Rice People have traveled across the universe, each finding their way to different planets. They are highly sensitive to human emotions of longing and can detect the unique electromagnetic waves generated by such feelings. From these signals, they select individuals in need of redemption, though not everyone chosen is aware of their presence.

Between 2020 and 2023, the world gradually descended into disorder. People were caught in a constant struggle between fear, urgency, contemplation, and resolution as they faced global chaos. Despite this turmoil, once such disorder becomes our daily reality, we slowly become numb to the chaos, sinking into the illusion of comfort. Thus, we must never underestimate human foolishness—whether at the individual level or on a collective scale—one careless step could lead to self-destruction. To prevent catastrophe, one of the most crucial lessons is to learn humility.

I titled this project “Those Mountainous Places” In the midst of this eerie and unsettling era, we often neglect the presence and value of nature. The natural world is the foundation of our survival, and among its many elements, mountains stand as symbols of strength, stability, and humility—qualities essential for the continuation of life. Standing before mountains, I deeply realize the insignificance of humanity. Guided by these towering formations, I have learned respect and reverence, understanding that the world does not revolve around the individual. This awareness leads to a greater appreciation of everything around us.

The “Rice People” are characters unrestricted by time and space, freely traversing dimensions and parallel worlds. While they often appear in various time periods and settings, mountains, by contrast, exist in eternal silence. They bear witness to the passage of time, carrying the weight of history within their vast presence. Compared to these enduring giants, the “Rice People” represent fleeting existence—passing through time and space, leaving only traces as insignificant as wind-swept marks in the desert. Through this contrast, perhaps we can more profoundly grasp our own insignificance.

Even in an age of extreme disorder, where people may feel lost, uncertain of their destination, or even too afraid to take another step forward, “Those Mountainous Places ” offers a place of quiet refuge—a sanctuary where one can rediscover inner peace and balance. Mountains are not only the backbone of the Earth but also shelters for the human spirit. Their presence reminds us that coexistence and harmony are humanity’s ultimate destiny.

Those Mountainous Places - Chen Yu CHO Solo Exhibition

｜展 期｜2024.6/1 (六) ～ 7/6 (六)
｜座談會｜6/15 (六)14:00～16:00
｜與談人｜謝其昌、華建強
｜地 點｜GSA Gallery
｜地 址｜臺中市南屯區向上南路一段167號3樓之１