The Americans: Yikui (Coy) Gu

The Americans represents an autobiographical exploration of the artist Yikui (Coy) Gu, his wife, and their immigrant Chinese-German marriage. As the central theme throughout the work, Gu injects the viewer directly into their personal narrative, revealing intimate moments and essential truths. The layering of visual information through paint, stock imagery, and everyday objects creates a rich depth of provocative storytelling. Gu’s playful incorporation of popular culture, political reference, and personal experience allows for both immediate relevance and cultural commentary.

As a classically trained artist, each work effectively oscillates between Gu’s highly detailed drawings and the juxtaposition of gestural shapes. These layered perceptions of space construct snapshots of moments that are collaged together to create vibrant compositions. Each is filled with a series of iconography specific to Gu as well as larger cultural and political symbolism that runs throughout his work.

This exhibits opening reception will be held on Friday, June 4, from 5-8pm. No RSVP required.