Preface

In the bustling and chaotic world we live in, each individual is an isolated island, with hidden waves of emotion and tranquility buried deep within. Art, like a beam of light piercing the darkness, illuminates the corners of our inner worlds, revealing the genuine emotions and reflections concealed beneath the routines of daily life. It is within this philosophy that the Soliloquy Arts Festival was conceived—a celebration of introspection that merges the artistic revelations of the soul with the natural landscape and cultural environment.

Dayouqiu Xirang Hotel, a poetic retreat located on the shores of Taihu Lake in Zhouzhen Town, Yixing, serves as the perfect stage for the festival. The hotel itself is a masterpiece of art, designed by acclaimed architect Dong Gong, who drew inspiration from traditional Jiangnan architecture. Through a layout of juxtaposed courtyard clusters, the hotel creates a spatial experience that evolves with each step—a different view, a new atmosphere, and a unique interplay of scale and light in every courtyard. This rich and diverse setting provides a profound and dynamic backdrop for the presentation of artistic works.

In literature, soliloquy is a common narrative technique, allowing characters to reveal their innermost thoughts directly to the audience, without intermediaries. Similarly, in art, “soliloquy” carries its own distinctive allure. Stripped of complex narratives and interpersonal dynamics, it focuses entirely on the individual’s inner voice. Through this lens, artists present their thoughts and emotions in their purest, most direct form. Like a raw and unfiltered exposition of the soul, it unveils the artist’s truest self.

At the Soliloquy Arts Festival, five artists have been invited to present ten meticulously crafted works of art. These creations encompass diverse forms—sculptures, sound and light installations, video works, and live performances—all unified by a singular essence: they are tangible expressions of the artists' inner monologues. Here, art and environment interact harmoniously, constructing poetic and contemplative spaces. As viewers engage with these works, they are invited into a dialogue not just with the art, but with their own inner worlds, encouraging them to reexamine their lives and emotions with renewed clarity and understanding.On January 18, 2025, ArtDepot will join hands with Nianhuawan Cultural Tourism to present the "Soliloquy Arts Festival," a three-month public art project located at Dayouqiu Xirang Hotel in Zhouzhen Town, Yixing City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. The project will feature collaborations with five distinguished artists, showcasing ten carefully curated artworks—including sculptures, sound and light installations, video, and live performances—designed to respond to the unique cultural context where the architectural space of the hotel harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape.

Artists

Born in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province in 1986, Kong Lingxin graduated from the Mural Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in 2015. Her works are distinguished by a unique black-and-white visual lexicon, employing abstract compositional strategies to create visual ciphers that document personal emotions and profound perceptions of the world. Kong's practice transcends literal representation, synthesizing introspective sensibilities with artistic formalism. The meditative intensity permeating her oeuvre stems from a deep awareness of individual existential experience, manifesting an aesthetic realm that transcends mundane reality.

Born in Liaoning in 1987, Yang Song graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2013 and now works in Beijing. His creations deeply connect with traditional Chinese culture, reflecting his struggles with personal identity and social relationships. With a bold yet meticulous approach, Yang explores mediums beyond sculpture, including video and installations. His works often incorporate his love for freedom, speed, and adventure, channeling his travel experiences to pursue self-discovery and approach life’s essence.

Opening Ceremony