Lucky Bone

iD FOUNDATION’s Shanghai Suhe Haosi Space is pleased to present "Lucky Bone," a solo project by artist Mai YutianCentered on the universally resonant theme of "luck," the exhibition features a juxtaposition of the artist’s photographic works and easel paintings. With "fish," "bubbles," and "fish bones" as core visual symbols, Mai constructs a contemporary artistic language exploring "the perception of existence and the generation of meaning." Transcending the secular understanding of "luck"—which is often reduced to concrete "good fortune"—she reinterprets the concept through philosophical reflections on "the preservation of time," "the value of chance," and "the significance of trivial existence." This transforms the exhibition into a visual inquiry that balances medium exploration with intellectual depth.

In contrast, the easel paintings employ a more subjective visual language to realize the abstract translation and conceptual extension of the "fish" and "bubble" motifs. Mai adopts a color palette dominated by blues and greens, creating a visual field that embodies both the textural quality of an underwater space and an emotional atmosphere. Bubbles, rendered through techniques of thin glazing and blending, exhibit transparency and an interplay of reality and illusion—simulating their physical properties while metaphorizing "the transience and uncertainty of luck."

 Fish bones, fish, and bubbles together form the symbolic system presented in this exhibition: fish are associated with "vitality and everyday presence," bubbles symbolize "chance and transience," and fish bones represent "preservation and memory forged by the passage of time." The interaction and coexistence of these three elements constitute Mai’s contemporary deconstruction and reconstruction of the concept of "luck." In today’s fast-paced society, luck is often equated with "scarce positive outcomes"; however, the artist offers a counter-narrative through her works: luck resides in the "deep perception of ordinary things." Just as fish bones carry the nostalgic memories of meals shared, and bubbles capture the fleeting moments of fish swimming—these overlooked trivialities are the true carriers of luck.

"Lucky Bone" is not merely a presentation of Mai Yutian’s artistic practice, but also a discourse on the concept of luck expressed through visual language.

Artist

Mai Yutian

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Exhibition Date

11 November 2025 - 28 December 2026

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Venue

Suhe Haus 2F, 30 Wen'an Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai

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