'Pixel analysis': Pushing the boundary of visual art

Some work of Yang Hongwei's series Pixel Analysis. The Mona Lisa shown in different arrangements and different sizes of "pixels" which result in different visual effects. The exhibition is part of the Columbia Beijing Week activities. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

What is the very basis of image making? Color, linellae or structure? A recent solo exhibition featuring the basic elements of an image opened up a whole new set of possible answers.

Titled Pixel Analysis, Chinese wood block artist Yang Hongwei's solo exhibition meets its Bejing audience at Core Plaza this month, presenting a new visual world and exploring the very essence of art in a thought-provoking way. Four sets of his works are on display.

The idea is to decode an image’s foundation into a number of square units - black, white and 90 shades of grey - before establishing an image by using those units. They are basic elements of image making, or "pixels", which can be arranged and organized in boundless ways, resulting in different pictures. In other words, they are finite elements that create infinite outcomes – a kind of universal philosophy lying behind his creations.