Painter and video artist Lin Xin

Blankly silent and expressionless by design, a distinctly female metal mannequin-like figure sits at a table, pensively pondering what appears to be its lunch: a shiny metal apple, cleaved in two.

The same idiosyncratic figure, depicted again and again in different poses and in differently abstract and seemingly banal situations, is thematic thread running throughout artist Lin Xin's recent painting and video solo exhibition Perfect Mis-deed.

On display until the end of November at the New Age Gallery in 798, the exhibition is the 30-year-old artist's first ever solo exhibi¬tion. Lin's first exhibited painting took place in 2002 as part of a group show at the Hubei In¬stitute of Fine Arts in Wuhan.

Art critic Zhu Qi writes that Lin Xin's paintings concern "the reality behind the mask of reality." In a press release issued by the New Age Gal¬lery, Zhu states that Lin's is calling into question the feasibility of crafting paintings in the Information Age.

"The possibility depends on whether art or traditional media can integrate electronic images in the future," Zhu writes. Zhu also compares Lin's technique to that of "viscose," an organic liquid used in the making of the synthetic materials rayon and cellophane.

"Where Are You From?"Photos: courtesy of New Age Gallery

All of the images found in Lin Xin's paintings are taken directly from computer model renderings.

Two iPhone-sized video displays run at opposite ends of the same wall in the gallery. Both titled "Can You Feel It Like I Do?" the videos depict the ubiquitous metal man-nequin—which Zhu refers to as the "automan," despite its chesty exterior—posing in a mockingly vain manner, as if it were a self-important model.

In some instances, the "au¬toman" is shown with a plume of wires running in and out of the figure's head, giving the appearance of a flowing head of hair.

One can't but help wonder if Lin intended her Perfect Mis¬deed series to be autobiograph¬ical, the metal mannequin meant as a kind of virtually distorted self-portrait.

"After computer pro¬gramming," Zhu writes, "a 'human' becomes an 'automan'… the computer can simulate the exteri¬or image of 'human' on the object level and certain spiritual qualities on this level, such as emotions and person¬alities."

Beijing New Age Gallery first opened its doors in 2007 as an offshoot of a gallery located in Taiwan. An exhibi¬tion of sculptures by different artists is set to go on display following the conclusion of Lin Xin's solo show.

Where: New Age Gallery, 798 Art District, D09 Area, Zhong Er Street

When: Until Nov 30

Contact: 5978-9282

"Secrets of Sisterhood." Photos: courtesy of New Age Gallery

"Metal Mask" Photos: courtesy of New Age Gallery