Gallery EXIT presents ‘Journey to the East’, a solo exhibition by Konstantin Bessmertny. The first solo exhibition of the celebrated Macau/Hong Kong-based artist of Russian origin with Gallery EXIT features a recent series of paintings, ceramics and objects in the artist’s signature playful style rich in classical and contemporary references from a melange of East and West cultures that is central to both the artist’s creation and being. In what Bessmertny calls his visual investigations, the context is often to be gleaned from the many details and symbols embedded in the fun yet enigmatic imagery.

Besides paintings, the exhibition also showcases works of ceramics, small sculptures and objects, again overwhelmed with the same visual elements and intellectual humour and satire. ‘Hand of the Philosopher’, ‘Philosophy Protects Seven Liberal Arts’, and ‘How to Make Gold at Home’ are made in the Chinese porcelain town of Jingdezhen and handpainted by the artist. The anti-monument sculpture ‘In Perpetum (Public Art Proposal)’ appears also in ‘Grobianus et Grobiania (Natarajasana will Save the World)’. More than just decorative forms, Bessmertny’s art offers multiple levels of reading that both challenge and amuse, where contemporary commentary mixes with artistic and historical allusions.

Gallery address: 3/F, 25 Hing Wo Street, Tin Wan, Aberdeen