From October 17 to 19, 2024, Lipont Gallery in Vancouver hosted “Call It a Day,” an innovative contemporary art exhibition curated by Y Manifesto and organized by Peeling States. The exhibition, which brought together a diverse group of artists, explored themes of imperfection, acceptance, and the art of living in the present. The show has left a lasting impact on Vancouver’s artistic community, providing new perspectives on mindfulness and the Zen philosophy of embracing life’s natural flow.The participating artists included Yuwei (Rita) Li, Shixiong Zhang, Mingxuan Yu, Jingwei Zeng, Zixi (Poppy) Liu, Chunhan Chen, Peipei Li, Ge Song, Yixiang (Tim) Li, Xiang Zhai, Mingyue Qu, Chunxuan Yu, Siyuan Ma & Andi Zhou, Ziyi Wang & Chenshuo Xu, Lin Li (Ruki), and Yilun Li.
“Call It a Day” derives its name from a popular Western expression, symbolizing the acceptance of imperfection and incompleteness. This notion closely aligns with Zen Buddhism, particularly its focus on “living in the moment” and mindfulness. Zen encourages an individual to embrace every moment as it is—without judgment, regret for the past, or anxiety for the future. In this way, “Call It a Day” invites both artists and viewers to explore the duality of perfection and imperfection, pushing them beyond binary thinking. The exhibition creates a space where beauty is found in impermanence and unfulfilled potential.
This aesthetic approach can be compared to the Japanese concept of *Wabi-sabi*, where the beauty of imperfection, transience, and incompleteness is celebrated. Just as in traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and gardening, “Call It a Day” echoes the idea that imperfection is not a flaw but rather an essential aspect of life.
The exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on how they navigate their own realities, urging them to accept and appreciate life’s imperfections. It asks the audience to release themselves from the mental constraints of constantly seeking perfection and to find a sense of liberation and peace in their everyday lives.
The exhibition was curated by an experienced team, led by Xuechen Wang. With her extensive background in connecting artists with prestigious galleries such as Tang Contemporary and Saatchi Yates, Xuechen’s expertise brought global perspectives to the exhibition, blending commercial and conceptual art seamlessly. Supporting the execution was Nephelo Jiang, Executive Curator and founder of Peeling States. The collaboration between these curators allowed for an exploration of both contemporary and philosophical ideas, providing depth and nuance to the theme of living in the present.The curatorial direction was also enhanced by Wenjie Xu, who, as an honorary curator, brought her international curatorial experience, further elevating the exhibition’s global relevance. Together, these curators crafted a space where art, philosophy, and culture intersected, creating a meaningful experience for visitors.
The exhibition also benefited from an esteemed panel of judges, who offered their insights and expertise. Yuan Zhuang, a scholar specializing in fine art and visual imagery, played a critical role in evaluating the works through the lens of contemporary and traditional art practices. Additionally, Peiyao(Heather) Tang, a graphic and visual designer known for her explorations of social issues, brought a fresh perspective to the exhibition, highlighting the connection between design and societal impact. Yefu Liu, with his interest in black humor and socio-political themes, provided a unique angle in assessing the depth and narrative of the exhibited works.
“Call It a Day” not only resonated with local visitors but also contributed to a larger, global conversation about contemporary art’s role in reflecting societal issues. In today’s fast-paced world, where people are often overwhelmed by the pressure to achieve and perfect every aspect of their lives, this exhibition offered a timely reminder of the value of embracing imperfections. The exhibition also appealed to those outside the art world, particularly individuals seeking solace in Zen practices and mindfulness.
The partnership between Y Manifesto and Peeling States brought together a wealth of curatorial expertise. Y Manifesto, with its focus on promoting emerging artists and their careers, provided a platform for the exhibition’s diverse voices, while Peeling States executed the vision with precision, ensuring a seamless blend of artistic expression and philosophical depth.
Following its success at Lipont Gallery, “Call It a Day” has sparked discussions about the importance of creating more inclusive and philosophical art spaces in Vancouver and beyond. The exhibition also lays the groundwork for future projects that might continue exploring themes of mindfulness, imperfection, and the human experience. Both curatorial teams—Y Manifesto and Peeling States—are planning further collaborations, aiming to bring similar exhibitions to other global cities such as Los Angeles, London, and Milan.
As “Call It a Day” concluded, it left attendees with a message of peace, acceptance, and reflection—a timely gift in a world that constantly demands more. The exhibition’s success demonstrates the power of art to inspire not only aesthetic appreciation but also personal growth and mindfulness, creating ripples that extend far beyond the walls of the gallery.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
