Irvine, California — Unveil Gallery is pleased to present Daydream, an exhibition featuring seven contemporary artists, Ann Liu, Christopher Cosnowski, Li Nianxin, Hou Jianan, Mary Henderson, Tian Yuanyuan, and Wang Weijue. Inspired by the timeless Chinese literary work 牡丹亭 (The Peony Pavilion), Daydream presents an exhibition that delves into the intersection of personal and collective illusions, societal pressures, and consumerism in today’s world. The exhibition draws on themes of escapism and the ways in which dreams and daydreams offer temporary relief from the stresses of modern life. Through a multidisciplinary approach, Daydream explores the complex emotional landscapes of longing, identity, and the profound impact of societal constructs on the individual.
The core of this exhibition revolves around the tension between illusion and reality—how the dreamlike or fantastical provides a temporary escape from the overwhelming forces of the real world. In the context of contemporary pressures, these illusions often manifest through consumerism, the commodification of beauty, and identity struggles. Artists featured in Daydream challenge these illusions, questioning their foundations and critiquing the ways in which society constructs and glorifies false ideals. Through their art, they expose the often hidden violence beneath the surface of these cultural myths.
Daydream challenges viewers to reconsider the ways in which illusions shape our lives and the way we present ourselves to the world. Through the lens of contemporary art, the exhibition provides a critical commentary on the forces of consumerism, identity, and societal expectation, urging us to reflect on how we navigate these complexities in our daily lives.