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The paintings of Shanghai-born Tian Teng (1996) focus on what goes on behind the windows of homes and shops in the streets of the Netherlands – scenes that to most people are so matter-of-course that they don’t even notice them anymore. Teng: ‘I am fascinated by how the Dutch organize their window sills; seemingly aimed at the people in the street, often even including a special nook for the cat.’ From her perspective as an outsider she shows us just how exceptional this custom is. Windows in Shanghai usually have bars to protect against burglaries. What drives the Dutch to display their lives so openly?
Teng first takes snapshots with her phone. She then subjects them to her painter’s eye, paying attention to colour and shape. Although figurative in style, her paintings are not one-on-one copies of the photographs. The artist changes colours, heightens the level of abstraction, and leaves out annoying details to optimize the composition. As a result her paintings are recognizable, but not faithful representations.
In her newest works, two of which are shown at Prospects, Teng mainly focuses on the Asian community in the Netherlands, a group of people who, according to her, are often overlooked and tend to shy away from the spotlights themselves. But behind these windows too there is lots to explore, for instance in the painting 3011 PA (2024), depicting a ramen restaurant. Or in 1017 BB (2023), where the reflection merges with the interior. Just as Teng merges social commentary with cultural differences. Where can we see these everyday miracles in real life? The titles are all postcodes.
Text: Esmee Postma
Translated from Dutch by Marie Louise Schoondergang (The Art of Translation)