Deep in the Lucky Ocean

Chen Fei is trained at the Beijing Film Academy, his passion and extensive knowledge for movies has influenced his choice of subjects and compositional style in his paintings. Belonging to the post 1980's generation, Chen's art is more focused on individualistic preoccupations rather than societal concerns. His visual language is influenced by the world of anime and manga in an era of consumerism and globalisation. Chen Fei challenges the concept of good and bad taste, both aesthetically and morally, by representing violence and sex. In accordance with his own set of values, the artist points to the fact that, "I don't really like things that are too beautiful, they always make me feel uncomfortable. Some of my paintings look very beautiful, but I would always hide a sinister or evil plot or story inside them. It makes me feel more comfortable this way." He believes that the fact that a number of people actually like "not so pretty things" and this particular kind of aesthetics leave a longer lasting impression than beauty. With his art, he aims to stir emotions and sensory sensations. Deep in the Lucky Ocean (Lot 503) is an imaginative interpretation of the ocean. It is a vision of fantastical sea creatures conceived in kaleidoscopic colours. It is at once enchanting and frightening, juxtaposing sweet star fishes with giant menacing fishes with sharp teeth. The serpentine curves of the ocean waves threaten to engulf a woman and a dog. They are recurring characters in the artist's paintings, because Chen prefers to use his models, himself, his girlfriend or his dog as his heroes. They are chosen out of convenience and not agenda. The extraordinary details are given the "superflat" treatment of texture, and are distinctively outlined in black, which is reminiscent of Japanese Manga. The rich narrative and detail make Deep in the Lucky Ocean a visually striking piece.