Born in Xi'an, Shanxi Province and graduating from Xi'an Fine Art Academy. Min Yiyao's figurative works have been featured in major exhibitions in China, with solo and group exhibitions spanning Beijing, Xiamen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Singapore. In Min's works, the language of his technique draws the viewer in rather that the image itself. He alludes to fauvist influences and a tinge of surrealism. The artist fascinates the viewer with a reversal of the norms expected of a portraiture piece.
Viewing 17 works by Min Yiyao
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Publications 
Publications
Figures of Speech, 2011
Mimesis - Figurative Art, 2009
Biography
Biography
Born in Xi'an, Shanxi Province and graduating from Xi'an Fine Art Academy. Min Yiyao's figurative works have been featured in major exhibitions in China, with solo and group exhibitions spanning Beijing, Xiamen, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, Belgium, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Singapore. In Min's works, the language of the technique draws the viewer in rather than the image itself. He alludes to fauvist influences and a tinge of surrealism. The artist fascinates the viewer with a reversal of the norms expected of a portraiture piece.
That the technique serves as the primary focus is intriguing. It is not to say that the arresting images on Min's canvas are any less impressive. However, it questions whether this is a deliberate attempt by the artist to employ a different language of artistic communication. With seemingly wild brushstrokes, he manages to capture light and depth. The random play of his strokes on canvas unwittingly form an image that prior thought did not define. He limits himself to a palette of colours that are faded and not easy to define.
Indeed, Min's works are fascinating because the viewer experiences a reversal of the norms are expected of a portraiture piece. Instantly, the quality of distance is one that is experienced. The figures seem to be looking into mirrors in self-reflective gazes, pondering over a perennial dilemma of existentialism. They have enclosed themselves within their own mirrored images with a ceaseless resonance of a single thought that does not transmit to the viewer. It is this deliberate disengagement that forces the viewer to crave for another mode of interaction with the art. And it is this self-inclusiveness of Min's art that makes his work provocative to the eye.
That the technique serves as the primary focus is intriguing. It is not to say that the arresting images on Min's canvas are any less impressive. However, it questions whether this is a deliberate attempt by the artist to employ a different language of artistic communication. With seemingly wild brushstrokes, he manages to capture light and depth. The random play of his strokes on canvas unwittingly form an image that prior thought did not define. He limits himself to a palette of colours that are faded and not easy to define.
Indeed, Min's works are fascinating because the viewer experiences a reversal of the norms are expected of a portraiture piece. Instantly, the quality of distance is one that is experienced. The figures seem to be looking into mirrors in self-reflective gazes, pondering over a perennial dilemma of existentialism. They have enclosed themselves within their own mirrored images with a ceaseless resonance of a single thought that does not transmit to the viewer. It is this deliberate disengagement that forces the viewer to crave for another mode of interaction with the art. And it is this self-inclusiveness of Min's art that makes his work provocative to the eye.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
2007
Taipei International Art Exposition, Taiwan
Shoreman Art International, Neijing, China
2006
Art Beijing 2006, Beijing, China
"Unreal East", Belgium
"Dialogue - China" United Kingdom
"Deep-In-Space - Contemporary Art", Beijing, China
2005
"Deep-In-Space", Xiamen, China
2004
"Irrationality", Contemporary Art Exposition, Xiamen, China
2003
"Eclecticism", Shanghai, China
2002
"Images Coordinates", Xi'An, China
Rafts of Medusa, Vancouver, Canada
2001
"Close To You And Me", Xi'An, China
"Exchange Sights", Australia
2000
"Excursion Focus", Xi'An, China
Taipei International Art Exposition, Taiwan
Shoreman Art International, Neijing, China
2006
Art Beijing 2006, Beijing, China
"Unreal East", Belgium
"Dialogue - China" United Kingdom
"Deep-In-Space - Contemporary Art", Beijing, China
2005
"Deep-In-Space", Xiamen, China
2004
"Irrationality", Contemporary Art Exposition, Xiamen, China
2003
"Eclecticism", Shanghai, China
2002
"Images Coordinates", Xi'An, China
Rafts of Medusa, Vancouver, Canada
2001
"Close To You And Me", Xi'An, China
"Exchange Sights", Australia
2000
"Excursion Focus", Xi'An, China
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