Greg Yee
In 2008 Greg Yee completed a Bachelor of Design, majoring in sculpture, at Ara Institute of Technology. In 2011 he furthered his studies at the University of Canterbury and was awarded a Bachelor of Fine Arts with First Class Honours. Most recently in 2017, he was awarded a Master of Fine Arts with Distinction from Canterbury University.
“The conceptual focus of my practice is centered within cultural identity. I began exploring aspects of structure in cultural tradition, whilst also referencing the negotiation and/or integration of aspects of eastern and western cultures (where I find myself situated). My use of materials and imagery are often linked to the domestic settings and rituals of the everyday, however the ideas behind my work are more universal and set in a wider political context.”
Shared Lines: Aotearoa in Japan 2020
HELP, gold leaf on paper 2019(10x300x215)
help
/hɛlp/
verb
1. make it easier or possible for (someone) to do something by offering them one's services or resources. ""they helped her with domestic chores""
2.
serve someone with (food or drink).
""may I help you to some more meat?""
Similar: assist aid help out
noun
1. the action of helping someone to do something. ""I asked for help from my neighbours""
exclamation
1. used as an appeal for urgent assistance. ""Help! I'm drowning"
Shared Lines: Christchurch / Sendai 2012 - 2013
Eight Small Men, Oak, Mirror, Porcelain, Screenprint 2011
For the last few years I have been working with imagery drawn from a personal and cultural exploration of my New Zealand Chinese upbringing.
In particular my work often references the domestic settings of my childhood and rituals to do with food and eating which have always been the cultural focus within my family. Aspects of portraiture and self-portraiture have also been key in recent years. My work often both in imagery and concept, makes reference to the negotiation and/or integration of aspects of eastern and western cultures.
The three works submitted for this exhibition are a part of a larger series of ink drawings made in response to the February 2011 earthquake. On the day of the earthquake I received many text messages from friends and family. The titles of these works come directly from texts sent and received on the day. This series of self-portraits became a very visceral way of exploring how I felt during this time.