Between Universe and Forest

Between Universe and Forest is the first large-scale solo exhibition in China by Barcelona-based artist August Vilella, and a retrospective celebration of the tenth anniversary of his artistic career. The exhibition brings together Vilella’s most representative paintings, sculptural installations, and immersive visual works from the past decade.

The exhibition space unfolds across multiple themed zones — from the depths of a “Forest Entrance” to the vastness of a “Cosmic Eye” — guiding visitors on a journey that oscillates between reality and fantasy. The exterior of the White Cube at Shenzhen Bay MixC is wrapped in Vilella’s signature oversized eye motif, transforming the entire building into a public artwork.

Vilella’s fictional creatures are distinguished by their disproportionately large eyes and soft, plush-like textures, inhabiting a space between children’s illustration and contemporary art. These “beings” are not merely visual symbols but mirrors of the human inner world — solitary yet curious, fragile yet resilient, each carrying a rich emotional narrative.

Inspired by comic culture, street art, and the surrealist tradition, Vilella’s characters seem to arrive from a parallel universe. They embody a universal yearning for innocence while confronting the complexities of existence. His work has been exhibited in Barcelona, Madrid, Tokyo, and Seoul, with numerous cross-disciplinary collaborations with international fashion brands. This Shenzhen exhibition marks a significant expansion of his influence across Asia.

Presented by MixC BAY LIVE as part of the Beyond Excellence art programme.

Between Universe and Forest

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