Written by

Where's the frame

Maribelle Bierens

October 25, 2023 4:34 PM

GMT

Sonia Jia is set to present her inaugural solo exhibition, 'Untouchable,' at Cub_ism_ Artspace in Shanghai. 

Sonia Jia's 'Untouchable' delves into deeply personal and emotional themes. Using a unique colour palette of flesh tones and purple earth tones that refer to skin tones and the hues of bruises, her work renders visible complexity of precarious intimacies. 

Sonia Jia, Veins‘ Palette. 20x25cm, Oil on Canvas, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.

Through various imagined narrations, Sonia's artwork meditates on the complexity of precarious intimacies and acts as a means of healing from her childhood trauma. Her perspective revolves around the belief that intimate relationships are inherently intertwined with conflicts between the urge to tightly rely on one another, rooted in the vulnerability of human nature, and the inevitable emotional gulf between individuals. 

Under these tensions, intimate relationships often find themselves in precarious stages. However, Sonia’s work suggests that these precarious intimacies, despite the hurdles they face, possess the potential to dissolve the boundaries between individuals and construct profound solidarity.

Sonia Jia, 光, Oil on canvas, 96x120cm, 2023. Courtesy of the artist.

'Untouchable' is a personal and poignant exploration of intimate relationships, particularly within the context of sexual assault survivors. Sonia Jia's work not only delves into the complexities of her past but also transcends them. Her art becomes a medium for healing, symbolising the transformative journey from trauma towards resilience and strength.

The exhibition will be on display at Cub_ism_ Artspace, located at 201-205, No.33 Middle Sichuan Road, The Bund, Shanghai, China, from October 28th to December 2nd. For more information, visit the gallery’s instagram

Suggested reading: