Between the Inner and the External 2024

This artwork delves into the tension between the conscious self and external forces. The figure is submerged in two wild seas, where the blue represents nature and the instinctual self—raw, untamed, and authentic. It symbolizes the inner world, a place where desires and personal identity freely flow. In contrast, the purple embodies work, obligations, and societal expectations—forces that are often imposed and disconnected from one’s true essence.

The interplay between these two colors is significant. The blue sea is both a source of power and vulnerability, illustrating the struggle of maintaining a sense of self amid life’s uncontrollable elements. The purple sea, with its encroaching waves, represents external pressures that threaten to drown out the individual’s true identity, forcing a delicate negotiation between self-preservation and external conformity.

In this artwork, the figure fades into the backdrop, almost invisible, embodying the constant conflict between the self’s in

2AM in Lecce 2021

This piece is one part of my “2 AM in Lecce” series, centered around the silent “voices” that emerge in the quiet of the night. Shot from a bird’s-eye view, the streets of Lecce at 2 AM appear empty yet full of hidden emotions. The figures captured in the scene—lonely travelers, couples deep in conversation, elderly people lost in thought, and young individuals absorbed in their phones—each embody their own unique inner worlds.

At this time of night, thoughts flow more freely, and every person’s inner voice becomes more visible. Although their bodies may be physically close, their minds and emotions wander in entirely different realms. My camera serves as a window into these hidden states, attempting to break through the surface and explore the depths of their spiritual landscapes. The streets of Lecce at 2 AM become a stage for these unspoken dialogues, revealing the quiet interactions between people and their inner selves.

Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.

qing wan

Italy

Wan Qing, born in 1995, graduated in 2023 with a degree in Architecture from Politecnico di Milano, and currently residing in Milan. as one of the most promising art students be recomend personal discovery rather than more academic tutelage. Thus, I eventually chose a more structured pursuit in design, immersing myself in fields such as furniture, interior, and architectural design.

Over the past decade, I gradually came to realize that my true desire extended beyond the confines of architectural frameworks — I longed for the boundless freedom of pure artistic expression.

Since my graduation in 2023, I have rekindled my passion for unrestrained creativity, heightened sensitivity amplifies both the beauty and challenges of perception.Leaving my homeland for Italy was a pilgrimage toward an environment steeped in artistic atmosphere. I have always believed that true creation stems from life’s experiences and a deep contemplation of the world around us.