In Futile Fruits artist Kristen Liu-Wong explores human desire in its various forms, and the pleasures and pitfalls that can accompany its fulfillment. The paradox of hedonism points out the Catch 22 of human existence- by seeking to attain pleasure we often fail to find it.
In Liu-Wong’s paintings, moments of desire are tinged with danger, delight from a good meal hints at future indigestion when appetites are left unchecked, an indifferent woman plucks out her rotting teeth beside a decadently laden table. Some say that desire is the root of all suffering but to be human is to experience desire- just as the proverbial fruit that, once bitten, becomes a mouthful of ash so too are our attempts to find pleasure often met with unanticipated consequences. Ornately decorated interiors and lush purple and pink hues contrast with dirtied feet, oozing snails and bleeding wounds- grime that hints at the suffering that is often an unintended byproduct of our pursuit of pleasure. Drawing heavily upon her interest in both Eastern and Western culture, Liu-Wong attempts to create a sensual world where pleasure and pain, joy and suffering overlap, and the complexities of our relationship with each vividly take form.
