“The Secret Collection of Yüan Meng Ch’ien” exhibition and M50′s joint gallery opening.

Autumn is around the corner and island6 has very busy yet fruitful months ahead. To kick start the autumnal equinox, island6 bestows upon you the much anticipated, darker sequel to “ island of Oddities“, “ The Secret Collection of Yüan Meng Ch’ien” during the joint M50 Gallery Opening on September 5th, 2012.

It is an interesting tale as to why we gave the semi-aborted show a second go. It was a series of events that changed our mind. The chief of these being, the unearthing of yet another chest of oddities, far more bizarre than anything seen before,  in the attic of the brooding mansion. The collection of oddments, containing all manner of depravities, gives us a glimpse into the twisted mind of an extremely disturbed individual.

“I see… a cage. There is life, but it is trapped, trapped in a dark enclosure… It tries, but cannot escape… I see a howling dog that becomes king. I see a doll that dances with broken limbs. I see countless staring eyes. I see clouds of ravenous butterflies of a thousand colors. I see pulsating lights. I see fear. I see pain, strife and yearning as deep as an abyss.”

Liu Dao continues to showcase its signature fusion of traditional Chinese papercutting, state-of-the-art LEDs, photography and video, as well as brand-new sculpturalpieces. Behind whispers, closed doors and shuttered windows, we are collectively invited to plumb the depths of our perversions, obsessions and hidden desires.

"The Dualism of White and Black" (白与黑的二元论) by Liu Dao 六岛 2012

"Caught" by Liu Dao 六岛 2010

"The Reign of Forever" (逃不出魔掌) by Liu Dao 六岛 2012

"Edison's Canary" (爱迪生的金丝雀) by Liu Dao 六岛 2012

Please join us at the opening of “The Secret Collection of Yüan Meng Ch’ien” on September 5th, 2012 from 16.00 to 19.00.

The very next day, island6 sets up its solo show with Philippe Staib Gallery at the sumptuous Shanghai Exhibition Center. “ Slow Life in the Fast Lane” features a collection of island6′s latest artworks that celebrate the art collective’s six-year love affair with all things electronic and lively. Liu Dao’s second solo show at SH Contemporary contemplates the story of Shanghai life through animated skyscrapers, laser-cut trees and tea-soaked rice paper collages.

Stop by September 6th from 19.00-22.00, for this too will be an awe-inspiring show you don’t want to miss.