Taste of life reveals inner side of artist

It has often been said that the tableau always reflects the inner side of an artist. This is certainly true with Zhang Hongyang. Her solo exhibition, currently underway at the Original Gallery, invites viewers to appreciate an art world in an existential way.

Born in 1988 in Suzhou, Zhang graduated from the Department of Traditional Ink-wash Painting at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou in 2011.

A rising star in the art community, the artist frequently held exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai and Yantai (Shandong Province).

This exhibition at the Original Gallery features about 50 of the 30year-old’s latest works in traditional realistic style.

Shao Qi, one of the most famous art critics in China, says apart from the intricate and realistic depictions of the familiar images, there’s a “profound ambiance” over Zhang’s paintings.

“The decorative element the artist purposely fuses in the tableau enriches and ‘lightens’ her works,” Shao notes.

For example, the bowl with a fitted cover, the floral utensils, the bizarrely shaped rocks, or the rouge costume the monk is wearing are distinctive in her work.

“In fact, these images often depicted with strong colors are a striking contrast with the elegant and lightly depicted backdrop, unwittingly complementing both. That’s what I called the ‘profundity’ in her work,” Shao explains.

Usually traditional ink-wash paintings don’t appeal to the younger generation. However, Zhang is good at transforming the familiar traditional art language into a more chic and modern one with a feminine touch.

Zhang says she has been fascinated for years by tea ceremony, ikebana, incense, Taoism and Chinese zither.

“What I have painted in my work is actually the flavor and taste that I enjoy in my life,” she says. Date: Through May 15, 10am-6pm Venue: Original Gallery

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