On Wings of Mr. Wing, Infinitely: Mr. Wing Gallery

I often contemplate the fundamental nature of art—the essence that transcends both form and content. For now, let us refer to this as the "primordial origin of art."

Ancient Greek philosophers pondered the "primordial origin of the universe." The Greek word for "origin" is ἀρχή (arché), which has two Latin translations:Principium(origin, principle) and Initium (beginning). The English equivalents are "Principle" and "Beginning," respectively. This concept of "origin" encompasses not only material elements but also signifies the immaterial yet inclusive "primordial."

Anaximander (ca. 610–546 B.C.), one of the three great thinkers of Ionia's capital Miletus, discussed the primordial origin in his work Peri Physeos (On Nature). He argued that to explain the diversity of the natural world, one must use a concept that is non-specific, unbounded, and indeterminate. Thus, he proposed that the universe's origin is the negation of boundaries—the "Infinite" (apeiron) or the "Indefinite."

The "primordial origin of the universe is infinite" because only the "infinite" or "unbounded" lacks any definition, allowing all things to have the potential to become anything. Similarly, in the Chinese text Zhuangzi, there is a similar discourse recorded about Hui Shi: "The greatest is without boundary, called the Great One." The most immense is without edge, encompassing all, becoming the original.

Isn't art the same? Art is not merely a composition of material elements; beyond the elements of form and content, there exists an immaterial yet inclusive primordial essence.

The "primordial origin of art" lies in the "unbounded infinity," without external limitations, thus possessing the potential for greatness. True freedom is the condition for genuine art. However, how does one attain true freedom? True freedom is not an insulator, not isolated without connection to the world. The participating artists in this exhibition also contemplate or practice the true meaning of freedom through their works.

Shi Jin hua — Through the process of walking the brush, climbing the mountain built by human desires, it stands tall and presses forward. One can only cultivate oneself, adjust one's breath, and in the winding and entangled process, slowly seek release and liberation.

Through this exhibition and the works of the participating artists, we aim to convey that the primordial origin of art lies in its unbounded infinity. Without external limitations, there exists the possibility of greatness. This is not to sever all connections but to establish connections. Establishing connections gives meaningful existence to one's being. Connections are not constraints; rather, shedding external limitations and still being connected to the world is like riding the wings of a gentle breeze, soaring freely in the universe of creation.