Huang Yulong
Huang Yulong, born in Anhui, China, is a contemporary young sculptor who was selected by Complex magazine as one of the "25 Chinese Contemporary Artists You Must Know." His works, set against the backdrop of street culture, strive to bridge the gap between contemporary youth culture, represented by Hip-hop, and traditional Chinese aesthetics. His works mostly engage in dialogue with the world from a first-person perspective, brimming with unrestrained and rebellious individuality. His forms differ from mainstream aesthetics, imbued with national cultural confidence, following his heart, and forming a unique style. Born in the 1980s, he grew up in traditional Chinese education, experiencing the reform and opening-up process alongside the nation. The changes in his family and the rapid social development deeply imprinted his upbringing with the marks of the times. Growing up in a restrictive and solitary environment, the emergence of Hip-hop culture allowed him to release his long-suppressed personality, influencing his future attitude towards life and artistic creation. Huang Yulong is an outstanding contemporary artist who is aware of, has an attitude towards, and reflects on the clash between Eastern and Western cultures. His works break the tranquility of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting China's rapid transition from isolation to its current internationally competitive position. He utilizes a variety of media and materials in his creations, exploring his own unique style. His works are imbued with national cultural confidence, while also possessing international appeal and a forward-thinking perspective. The Hoodie Man series marks the beginning of Huang Yulong's sculptural career, a brilliant start indeed! Each hoodie man is infused with his emotions, recording his attitude towards life and his reflections. He rekindles his confidence in indigenous culture, deeply infusing his creations with the familiar and beloved spirit of hip-hop. His creative philosophy and skill are fully showcased in the Hoodie Man series. His works are his life: independent, free, rebellious, and fearless.
Huang Yulong's sculptures are filled with blank spaces, giving viewers room for contemplation. The empty hoodie shape symbolizes inclusiveness and tolerance. Huang Yulong's sculptures are not just random faceless figures. He does this because he doesn't want to exclude anyone from his artistic narrative; he attempts to include everyone, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. This artistic principle comes from the Taoist concept of Great Harmony, which believes that all things are empty. Huang Yulong provides ample space for viewers to determine the identity of the hoodie figure for themselves.