WOAW Gallery is delighted to present Chinese painter Kang Haoxian’s solo exhibition “In Motion”, on view from 31 August to 14 October 2024. Known for his grand pieces, where he blends elements of magical realism with popular cultural motifs, Kang transitions from his established style of atmospheric works in this exhibition. Instead, the showcased canvases highlight the painter’s desire to capture the intricate moments and detailed shapes of his surroundings, ultimately taking the form of car tires. 

To Kang, tires have been an integral part of modern society since their inception - forming important components on our vehicles, mass produced due to their many uses, tires serve multiple functions that physically propel and drive us forward in everyday life. He observes the different varieties of designs, craftsmanship, and its ability to perform reflects the continuous desires and pursuits of the driver behind the wheel. Serving as a reflection of human emotions, this exhibition captures how tires are able to encapsulate the desires of people from all walks of life, serving as the most prominent indication of progress and movement. In this series of works, the artist further emphasizes the feel of tires moving against the earth through his canvases. His attention to the different physical aspects of tires prompt an almost philosophical contemplation - the vehicle moves forward to different places, advancing to further and boundless destinations. 

Kang’s works also paint the private intimacy and personal feelings through the interactions between people and cars. The female figure reflected on the glass in Live Free or Die (2024) , the casual arm draped over the car window Brave Action (2024), the contrast between the quiet car space and the blood red environment in I enjoy my own tranquility (2024), all of his paintings exhibit the artist’s interest and ability to capture the unique contemplations that emerge from within the vehicle. To him, the world is like a huge garage, filled not only with “cars” but also a myriad of complex human emotions. The subject may appear unconventional, yet they are integral to our daily lives, forming important components on our vehicles. Highlighting the permeating presence of art in our daily lives, “In Motion” seeks to capture the emotional complexity of humans through the dependable presence of car tires.