In the vibrant world of Berlin-based artist Wei Tan, chairs take center stage. Her unique mixed media paintings feature these chairs, which seem to float amidst swathes of peach, lilac, and aquamarine, suspended in rooms that defy traditional spatial constraints. For Tan, chairs are not mere objects; they symbolize the start of a journey, a sanctuary for dreamers. Tan’s fascination with chairs is profound, rooted in the etymology of the word’ obsession,’ which she discovered originates from the Latin’ obsidere,’meaning ‘to sit in front of.’
Art and music have always been intertwined in Tan’s life. While she initially pursued music, studying Music Technology at New York University and even inventing an instrument that translates live painting into sound, Tan eventually found her way back to art. Meeting with Gina Bonati, a multifaceted artist from New York, ignited Tan’s passion for painting. Under Bonati’s guidance, Tan delved into abstract expressionism, experimenting with color and form before gravitating towards a more figurative approach.
The motif of chairs holds a special significance for Tan, evoking emotions and memories intertwined with her experiences in Berlin. Inspired by the sight of abandoned chairs on the city streets, Tan began incorporating them into her artwork, drawn to their anthropomorphic qualities and their capacity to absorb emotion. In her current solo exhibition, ‘My Chair is Having an Out-of-Body Experience,’ Tan explores the liminality between reality and imagination, using chairs as a symbol of dreaming, feeling, and remembering.
Despite her immersion in art, Tan remains humble about her influences, confessing her initial cluelessness about art history. Yet, her work bears echoes of artists like Matisse, Bonnard, O’Keeffe, and Twombly, alongside her deep-rooted connection to music. Tan’s brushstrokes often mirror the melodies of her favorite albums, like Cocteau Twins’ “Heaven or Las Vegas,” infusing her paintings with a rhythmic energy.
As Tan navigates through various projects and roles, her art continues evolving, reflecting her multidisciplinary approach and resistance to being confined to a single identity. With each stroke of her brush, Tan invites viewers to join her in a whimsical game of musical chairs where imagination knows no bounds.
