The small, plump feet, the rich and full-bodied succulents, and the newly introduced fluffy clouds—Huang Pin Tong's works are characterized by their warmth, energy, and a sense of confidence, brought to life through her realistic sculpture techniques. In her latest exhibition, Sans Souci, the "Succulent Plants" series is joined by a brand-new "Cloud" series. We asked the artist about her choice of clouds as a motif, the fresh approaches she adopted, and the particular details she focused on in these new works.

The Familiarity and the Endless Transformations of Clouds

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

-  In the past, you have often used plants as a motif in your work, but when and what inspired you to create the new “Clouds” series?

Huang: My inspiration often comes from the everyday things around me. I enjoy using simple, approachable themes to express various states of warmth and vitality. As a result, I am particularly fond of rounded shapes, and I constantly seek out things in life that evoke similar feelings.

One day, I realized that the clouds, which have always been with us, are full of the energy of water. They drift lightly and slowly, exuding confidence and ease. This serene state resonates with the feeling I aim to convey in my succulent series — the idea of growing at one's own pace, with confidence and fullness.

Compared to the dazzling sun or moon, clouds often play a supporting role, and people have become so accustomed to their presence that they are frequently overlooked. However, clouds are rich in moisture, nourishing all life on Earth. Moreover, the endless transformations of clouds bring us one beautiful scene after another.

I simply cannot imagine a world without clouds. It would be so dull and uninteresting. This led me to start a new series of works inspired by clouds.

The process of creating textures for shapeless forms

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

- What did you do differently in the coloring and expression of the “Clouds” series from your previous works?

Huang: The organic and fluffy shape of clouds actually causes me great frustration. Plants and animals have basic shapes, but clouds, while appearing simple, reveal their true challenge when creating them in three-dimensional form. The more formless the subject matter is, the more it tests the creator's observational skills and unique interpretative approach.

How do I transform hard wood into irregular forms that still appear light and fluffy? I spent a lot of time and effort carefully arranging the size and distribution of each cloud cluster, ensuring that the shapes didn't become too rigid or blocky.

When it comes to color, I had to reverse my usual approach to painting. I applied white or bright colors to the recesses of the forms, creating the visual effect of light subtly emanating from within the clouds, while also making the wooden sculpture appear lighter.

Huang Pin Tong “Blooming Starflower” 2024, 113.2 × 124.8 × 69.7 cm, Acrylic, Oil, Silver leaf on camphor wood

- Is there anything in particular that you focused on in this solo exhibition?

Huang: In this solo exhibition, my succulent and cloud series are both exhibited. In addition to exploring new forms within the succulent series, I am also exploring a new theme — clouds. Both series are filled with life energy and convey a calm, unhurried sense of tranquility.

A particularly special piece in this exhibition is "Blooming Starflower," which combines the themes of clouds and plants. It depicts energetic clouds giving birth to robust plants that bloom into star-like, radiant flowers. The overall atmosphere echoes the core spirit of the exhibition title, "Sans Souci," with the sculptural arrangement resembling a theatrical stage, capturing a carefree and comfortable state in the serene, sunlit moments of time and space.

The leaves, butterflies, and petals appear thick and full due to their abundant energy, while the clouds and leaf veins radiate a bright, luminous color, further highlighting the vibrant life force within.

The resilience of life born from striking contrasts

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

- What is new in the “Succulents” series?

Huang: The growth of plants and the blooming of flowers always evoke a deep sense of the life force, offering emotional experiences. Particularly we can see succulents, whose resilience is widely recognized. In previous works featuring succulents, there has been a sweet and playful vibe. However, this time, I focused on "tuberous" plants within the succulent family. Tuberous plants have a wide range of unique shapes, particularly with their plump forms, covered in weathered and withered skins. 

I combined the rugged, aged appearance of the tuberous plant with the smooth, rounded legs of a baby, creating a striking contrast that, while bold, still feels harmonious. This juxtaposition reflects both the plant's resilience and the hope for renewal, expressing a powerful sense of life force.

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

-  Did you have any ideas for the “Clouds” series during the hiatus? Have there been any changes from the previous series?

Huang: After deciding on the theme of clouds, I planned various works that explore the different transformations and meanings of clouds. For the exhibition, I would like to make the clouds appear even lighter, so I created relief sculptures that could be hung on the wall.

Relief sculpture, compared to three-dimensional wood carving, offers more limitations. Within a limited thickness of wood, I aimed to create a sense of perspective and depth. In addition to layering the foreground and background to create a sense of spatial depth, I also had to find a way to maintain the expanded volume. The smooth transitions and connections between the front and side views, as well as the overall flow of the composition, were challenges that tested my skills as an artist.

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

Ideas Overflowing from the Abundance of Nature: The Hopes Embedded Within

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

- Do you have any new ideas that you would like to work on or express in the future?

Huang: Currently, I have many ideas to further develop works that combine baby feet with plants, animals, and clouds. There are also natural themes that I have yet to present, which I am eager to explore and conceptualize. I'm even considering what kind of works I would create if there were no baby feet involved.

The beauty of nature is so rich and diverse that it makes it impossible for creative themes to run dry. Please stay tuned — I see my works as pieces of a puzzle, capturing the present moment of myself and my hopes for the future. I look forward to eventually piecing them together into a beautiful, moving world.

Whitestone Gallery Taipai

Huang Pin Tong’s works allow viewers to experience the richness of nature and the vitality of life through familiar elements found in everyday life. Her sculptures, while realistic, are uniquely crafted with warmth and a vibrant sense of life. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in their richness and energy.

Huang Pin Tong’s solo exhibition, Sans Souci, is on view at Whitestone Gallery Taipei until January 24, 2025. The works are also available for viewing Online Exhibition.

Sans Souci: Huang Pin Tong Solo Exhibition