"Yu Wen Wu’s highly intellectual work combines an aesthetic of material reverence with a focus on personal storytelling. Her Taiwanese heritage is at the core of her work, and her relationship with the natural world is central to her practice. A gorgeous collection of rock sculptures titled Artifacts is her homage to Scholar’s Rocks, or Gongshi. The rocks come from a growing collection of Wu’s that speaks directly to place. And her construction of the bases that support the rocks is masterful. Her craftsmanship shines throughout the exhibition, but in Artifacts, she foregoes the delicate materials found in her other works to create something timeless and permanent. The rocks are placed in the center of the gallery and feel devotional. There are several perched on small white pedestals that sit atop one large one. The effect is puzzling, but it works to create a sense of reverence for the sculptures. This is where Wu shines. Her sense of play and wonder peek out from the venerable quality of the rocks. Wu considers the natural world her muse, so it’s apt that these sculptures embody that... "
