"Beyond lacquer"

Cheng Xiangjun: Solo Exhibition

April 18 – May 10, 2009

Opening reception: Saturday, April 18, 4 to 6 pm

Lacquer has a long standing and cherished heritage in China's history, reaching back as far as 7,000 years. Lacquer art reached its first peak in development during the Warring Period (770 - 256 B.C.) and also enjoyed rapid development during the Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). Contemporary lacquer artists draw upon this rich legacy while also striving to expand aesthetic, technical and conceptual boundaries. Cheng Xiangjun is at the forefront of this contemporary lacquer art movement in China.

Cheng Xiangjun is a well-renowned lacquer painter who employs techniques of oil painting while pushing the tradition of lacquer art in his work. In a style that echoes abstract expressionism, Cheng’s art breaks the conventional mold of lacquer paintings, employing abstract images, geometric shapes and colors that layer and leap from the wood canvas. This solo exhibit features paintings from his series entitled “Tibet Impression”. In this body of work, Cheng explores the mystical, philosophical and religious through symbols, colors and the aesthetic qualities of lacquer.

Cheng's work is described as the reinterpretation of an ancient language in a modern context: "His recent works are a breakthrough into exploring a modern native language. By reconstructing traditional symbols, he seeks the long-interrupted pulse of Chinese culture." (Zhang Xiaoling, Dean of the Graduate School, China Art Academy)