From October 17 to 19, 2024, Vancouver’s Lipont Gallery was home to a remarkable exhibition titled “Call It a Day,” an event that seamlessly blended contemporary art with profound philosophical themes. Curated by Y Manifesto and organized by Peeling States, the exhibition captivated local audiences and sparked discussions on imperfection, acceptance, and mindfulness in modern life.
Drawing together an impressive roster of artists—Yuwei (Rita) Li, Shixiong Zhang, Mingxuan Yu, Jingwei Zeng, Zixi (Poppy) Liu, Chunhan Chen, Peipei Li, Ge Song, Yixiang (Tim) Li, Xiang Zhai, Mingyue Qu, Chunxuan Yu, Siyuan Ma & Andi Zhou, Ziyi Wang & Chenshuo Xu, Lin Li (Ruki), and Yilun Li—”Call It a Day” explored the beauty found within the impermanent and imperfect aspects of existence. These artists delved into the delicate balance between striving for perfection and accepting life’s natural flow.
At the heart of the exhibition was its title, derived from the Western phrase “Call It a Day,” symbolizing the cessation of work or activity while recognizing the inherent imperfections in any endeavor. This concept resonated with the principles of Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes living in the present moment and embracing things as they are, free from judgments or regrets. In this light, the exhibition invited attendees to ponder the duality of perfection and imperfection, much like the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, which cherishes the beauty in transience and incompleteness.
Through thoughtful curation by Xuechen Wang, Nephelo Jiang, and Wenjie Xu, the exhibition provided a rich dialogue between commercial art and deeper philosophical ideas. Xuechen Wang, with her connections to renowned galleries like Tang Contemporary and Saatchi Yates, introduced a global perspective to the exhibition, while Nephelo Jiang, founder of Peeling States, ensured seamless execution and thoughtful integration of contemporary themes. Wenjie Xu, as an honorary curator, elevated the exhibition’s international relevance through her curatorial expertise.
Supporting the exhibition were a panel of judges who provided their critical insights, including Yuan Zhuang, a scholar specializing in fine art and visual imagery, and Peiyao (Heather) Tang, a graphic designer who brought attention to the intersection of design and societal issues. Yefu Liu’s interest in socio-political themes and black humor added another layer of depth in assessing the narratives presented by the artists.
More than just an art show, “Call It a Day” invited visitors to reflect on their own lives. It offered a gentle reminder that in today’s fast-paced, perfection-driven world, there is value in embracing life’s imperfections. This message resonated deeply not only with art enthusiasts but also with those practicing mindfulness and Zen philosophy, positioning the exhibition as a cultural touchstone in Vancouver’s art scene.
The exhibition’s impact was far-reaching, with discussions already underway about taking the show to other global art hubs, such as Los Angeles, London, and Milan. Both Y Manifesto and Peeling States are eager to continue their collaboration, using art as a medium to explore existential and philosophical questions on a global scale.
As the lights dimmed on the final day of “Call It a Day,” the exhibition left its mark—offering not only aesthetic enjoyment but also an opportunity for personal introspection. It reminded us that art can be more than a visual experience; it can inspire a deeper connection to the world around us and, ultimately, to ourselves.
Published by: Annie P.
