Los Angeles, CA – Toy Bin Art is proud to present nightcore, the debut solo exhibition of Los Angeles-based artist Crescent Cheng. Running from September 27 to October 20, 2024, nightcore takes viewers on an introspective journey through nocturnal landscapes and scenes from Crescent’s late-night walks, reimagined and romanticized in oil and acrylic on canvas and papers.
Exploring Nighttime’s Transformative Power
In nightcore, Crescent Cheng curates a series of moods, scenes, and memories that blur the boundaries between reality and romanticism. These paintings capture the familiar yet haunting nature of locations she encountered on her nighttime walks, in Los Angeles and during visits to family in Hawaiʻi and Louisiana. As the sun sets, the external world transforms—the shadows grow, objects blur together, and nocturnal creatures emerge, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that shifts one’s perception of outer and inner reality.
“Nighttime transforms the way we perceive our surroundings and process emotions,” says Cheng. “The dark magnifies moments of introspection, nostalgia, and even regret or resolve, making space for deeper reflection.”
Human Impact on the Nighttime Environment
The title nightcore references a creative tradition that invites viewers to embrace feelings of isolation, reflection, and melancholy triggered by urban nightscapes. It draws connections to everything from Charles Dickens’s “Night Walks,” to Edward Hopper’s night paintings and John Green’s discussion of “he night feeling,” reflecting a rich history of art and social commentary that informs Cheng’s perspective.
For Cheng, a key element of nightcore is a yearning for an unspoiled version of nighttime that does not exist. In her paintings, streetlights compete with moonlight, and green tennis courts clash with green vegetation. “Where I live, it’s impossible to encounter true darkness or silence, even in the middle of the night,” Cheng notes. “But there is a wistful beauty in the interplay between natural and unnatural.”
Art as Emotional Catharsis
Crescent Cheng (b. 1993, Honolulu) is an artist who draws from her personal experiences, including her upbringing in Hawaiʻi, her relationship with mental illness, and the emotional volatility she encounters in daily life. This series emphasizes the layered emotions experienced when walking through dimly lit streets, where light flickers behind dark forms, symbolizing the way a single moment or place can evoke multiple, sometimes conflicting, emotions.
Opening Reception
Toy Bin Art invites art lovers, collectors, and the community to the opening reception of nightcore curated by Grace Kim on Friday, September 27th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Join us to explore Crescent Cheng’s contemplative nightscapes and engage in conversation about the deeper emotional transformations brought on by the night.
For more information, press inquiries, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact toybinart@gmail.com
Exhibition Details
Exhibition Title: nightcore
Artist: Crescent Cheng
Dates: September 27 – October 20, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday, September 27, 2024 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Gallery: Toy Bin Art
Curator: Grace Kim
Exhibition address: BlackMarket Courtyard, 2060 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles
About Toy Bin Art: Toy Bin Art is an alternative gallery space founded by curator Grace Kim. With a focus on flexibility and creativity, showcasing emerging and visionary artists. Toy Bin Art exhibits in different locations based on the themes of each show and the artist’s work. Currently showcasing in a hidden gem on Sawtelle Blvd, located in the rear space at BlackMarket. We curate exhibitions that highlight unique perspectives and foster connections between art, culture, and the community. Visit us at toybinart.com
