Liane Chu

LSS NYC

“If A Tree Falls, Does it Make a Sound?”

2024 September 4 to October 13

Long Story Short is delighted to present "If A Tree Falls, Does it Make a Sound?," a solo exhibition by Liane Chu, on display from September 4 to October 13, 2024, at 52 Henry St, New York, NY.

The timeless question, "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" challenges how we perceive reality. This thought-provoking inquiry, first posed by George Berkeley in 1710, suggests that existence is tied to perception. Later, William James expanded this idea, implying that meaning emerges through our perceptions and fades without them. In this exhibition, Liane Chu invites you to delve into these profound questions through her vibrant interpretations of nature.

Chu's ten captivating works use jittery brushstrokes and rich colors to create landscapes that feel both familiar and otherworldly. Her depictions of trees, flowers, grasses, and natural scenes engage viewers in silent dialogues, highlighting nature's beauty and power. Each piece reflects Chu's personal journey with Tourette's syndrome, using art as a means of self-expression and healing. The bold, energetic strokes challenge societal norms and convey her struggles and triumphs in navigating a world that often feels alien.

This exhibition encourages contemplation, inviting you to pause and reflect amidst the chaos of modern life. Chu's skillful use of colors and textures draws attention to the pervasive influence of media, likening humans to trees that absorb their surroundings, whether nourishing or toxic. Her surreal backdrops and obscure hues create a space for thoughtful reflection, urging us to reconsider our relationship with nature and our responsibilities within it.

Chu's works flicker with visual and metaphorical depth, representing the often-overlooked connection between humans and nature. In our fast-paced lives, we tend to ignore nature's voice and presence. Chu's art reminds us that nature continues to exist and communicate, even without our perception. Her pieces inspire us to listen, cherish, and coexist harmoniously with the natural world.

This exhibition is a visual and soulful journey, prompting us to re-examine our bond with nature and embrace our role in preserving it. Through Chu's art, we are encouraged to appreciate and protect the environment, listen to nature's voice, and contribute to a shared, beautiful narrative.

Liane Chu (b.1997) is a master's student in Experimental Art and Technology at the Central Academy of Fine Art. She holds an MFA from the Central Academy of Fine Art and a BA in Media and Communication from the City University of Hong Kong. Chu's notable projects include the 2023 art installations "Resetting Boundaries" and "Beyond Boundaries" in Beijing and Xi’an. Her solo exhibitions include "If A Tree Falls, Does it Make a Sound?" at LongStoryShort in New York, and shows at DUMONTEIL in Paris and Shanghai, and the Aurora Museum in Shanghai. She has participated in group exhibitions worldwide, including Art Paris, ASIA NOW, and Art Central in Hong Kong. Chu has collaborated with brands like Porsche and Rolls-Royce, and her work is part of permanent collections at the Aurora Museum and Næra Hotel Museum Collection.