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PAINTING

OIL PAINTING

VOID

2025

In the studio

THIRTY THREE

2024

Practicing

In this painting, I aim to express the challenge against societal boundaries and authority. I depict a naked woman kneeling on the ground, intently touching a strange and mysterious object. This object symbolizes things that are considered taboo or unacceptable.

Behind her, a large, stern face watches over everything, representing the scrutiny and judgment of societal authority and tradition. The presence of this face highlights the woman’s defiance and bravery as she disregards the gaze of authority, daring to explore and touch what is deemed unacceptable.

Through this painting, I seek to break through the limits imposed by race, age, and other societal constraints, advocating for the pursuit of freedom and exploration. The woman in the painting symbolizes anyone courageous enough to challenge societal norms, while the observing face reminds us that, although authority is ever-present, it should not hinder our quest to explore and transcend boundaries.

This painting poetically captures the essence of the “Painted Skin” legend from “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” (聊斋志异). The term “veil” suggests a covering that hides the true nature underneath, while “illusions” emphasizes the deceptive beauty masking the underlying horror. It alludes to the human skin used by the demon to disguise itself as a beautiful woman, metaphorically reflecting the concealment of sinister reality behind a captivating exterior.

In today’s context, the use of this allegory reflects my view on the modern pursuit of beauty and the impact of social media. The obsession with appearance and the digital personas we create are like a “veil of illusions.” These virtual facades mask our true selves, much like the painted skin in the legend. This raises questions about who provides these veils, who sets these standards, and the authenticity behind our online personas. Social media often sets unrealistic beauty standards.

WATERCOLOUR

FYI: I'M ABOUT TO LOVE YOU

2024

FRAGILE CONCRETE

DRAWING

THE MOON IS PINK

STUDIO

231 Corstorphine Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 7AT

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© 2025 BY XINYI YANG

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