Dori Deng, a multidisciplinary artist living and working in the UK, recently held an exhibition entitled "Sun and Shadow." The exhibition took place in SERCHIA, a residential gallery nestled within a charming Victorian home in Cotham, Bristol.

Inspired by Marcel Breuer's renowned book "Sun and Shadow: The Philosophy of an Architect," Deng's two-part exhibition featured a series of light installations, exploring the position of oneself in the journey of returning.

Deng's artworks from the Expansion Series (2020 - present) drew inspiration from Modernist Architecture, particularly the International Style of the 1920s. This movement embraced industrial materials such as steel and glass, utilising repetition and modular composition to introduce light and volume into interior spaces. By doing so, it aimed to enhance the perceptual experience of individuals within architectural environments.

The light installations in Deng's series achieved a delicate balance and harmony by juxtaposing craft techniques with standardised industrial construction materials. This artistic choice echoed concerns about industrialisation in architecture and urbanisation during the Modernist era. Interestingly, a century later, we find ourselves reevaluating these concepts with a fresh perspective in the present time. The exhibition encouraged viewers to appreciate the value of handmade quality, embrace slow living, and contemplate the idea of stepping away from bustling cities.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the "Sun and Shadow" exhibition raised thought-provoking questions about the cyclical nature of urbanisation and de-urbanisation in our current climate. It drew inspiration from Modernist Architecture as well as a metaphorical reference to the cycle of life itself. This captivating exhibition was thoughtfully designed to coincide with the Summer Solstice and the Winter Solstice, further enhancing its symbolic significance.