ArtX Contemporary in Pioneer Square is hosting an exhibition featuring the compelling work of Pacific Northwest painter William Song.
The current show, titled ‘Draco Arising,’ showcases a remarkable collection of Song’s paintings, created in 2024, the Year of the Dragon, which also coincides with the artist’s birth year.
As visitors step into the gallery, they are greeted not only by the vibrant colors and expansive sizes of the canvases but also by an immersive experience that invites deep emotional engagement with each piece.
The exhibition marks a significant evolution in Song’s artistic journey, as the gallery has consistently spotlighted his work through solo exhibitions.
For many, including those unfamiliar with his style, the energy and emotional resonance of ‘Draco Arising’ offers a fresh perspective on Song’s unique ability to channel intense phenomena into abstract expressions on canvas.
The term Draco, originating from the Latin word for dragon, encompasses a dual meaning, suggesting both a fierce energy and a quest for clarity in visual representation.
In this series, Song transcends traditional depiction, seeking to convey energetic clarity that resonates with the viewer on a visceral level.
The transition from verbal to visual forms of expression reflects Song’s journey of finding authenticity in his creative practice.
Having gained insight from the late William Ivey, a fervent supporter of artistic integrity, Song attributes much of his growth and dedication as a painter to Ivey’s influence.
Ivey’s teachings emphasized not the technical skills of color mixing or lines but the emotional and energetic impact that color can impart, something that resonates strongly in Song’s work.
In the gallery, two of Song’s paintings—’Draco Arising’ and ‘Draco Arisen’—stand side by side, showcasing a captivating progression of energies while also maintaining their unique sensory impressions.
‘Draco Arising’ offers a softer energy, suggesting the dragon’s awakening and awareness, while ‘Draco Arisen’ heightens this intensity and vibrancy through the use of bold, hot colors, which can be likened to flames.
Further captivating the viewer is ‘Eltanin Portal,’ a painting distinguished by thick strokes of blue and white that suggest movement and energy flow.
The piece also invites contemplation with its circular form, hinting at both alternate dimensions and traditional Zen art, emphasizing a connection to the broader universe.
Named after the star Eltanin, which means dragon in Arabic, this painting solidifies the thematic connection between Song’s work and cosmic mythology.
Another set of paintings, ‘Solaris 3’ and ‘Solaris 4,’ are treated as a diptych, evoking both tranquility and spatial resonance reminiscent of traditional Chinese scrolls.
These pieces radiate warmth and vitality, channeling the essence of sunlight through layers of yellows and oranges, inviting viewers to engage with the thermal energy almost spilling off the canvas.
The exhibition also features earlier works like ‘Aura,’ portraying a softer energy with a palette of rose and lavender that creates a soothing atmosphere of support and warmth.
This gentle touch is echoed in ‘Spirit Garden,’ where soothing pastels suggest an ideal sanctuary for rejuvenation and peace, allowing viewers to connect with the universal themes of interconnection and tranquility.
Song’s paintings stir a physiological reaction in those who encounter them, often described as a gut feeling in response to the vibrational colors.
This phenomenon aligns with the concept of sympathetic resonance in physics, illustrating the energetic transfer between artworks and audiences.
Song has learned from viewers that his pieces have had transformative effects, particularly for individuals in their final hours of life.
Stories shared with him include one individual who purchased a painting to leave behind a piece of himself for his spouse, who later expressed the painting’s significant emotional impact during her mourning.
Another person, approaching the end of her life, cleared her room except for one of Song’s works, ensuring she could gaze at it throughout her final days.
Through his work, Song tends to themes of beauty, hope, and possibility, offering a visual field that encourages viewers to pause, exhale, and recalibrate their energy.
As visitors exit ArtX Contemporary and re-enter Pioneer Square, there’s an appreciation for the insightful curators who recognized the intrinsic value of Song’s work.
Encounters with the artist himself may offer a chance to express gratitude for the emotional energy and transfer that defines his collection, ‘Draco Arising.’
image source from：iexaminer
