Chen Jiao’s works were described by Gerard Goodrow as “extremely professional”. And the Art Cologne director said, “I love the details that the artist has included on purpose for when you look at the pieces up close, such as the numbers for calculation of dimensions.” Being a young Chinese artist trained at one of China’s top art academies, Chen Jiao’s memories of childhood are intrinsically linked to industry and urban development. She grew up surrounded by large factories and industrial buildings. These buildings represent many of Chen’s most special memories: Her paintings of them are a visual record of the experiences of her youth, as well as the lives and associated history of the countless others who have lived and worked in and around the buildings.
Xue Jiye – solo exhibition Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2007
Truly one of China's most creative artists, Xue Jiye's latest show continues to impress. His work is being shown more and more at international museums, currently on show in the Manneheim Museum, in Germany. Xue Jiye does not follow the trends of many Chinese contemporary artists today; he does not paint overly colourful or repetitive, gimmicky artworks. Xue Jiye is filled to the brim with ideas - which he expresses on his canvases with his classical oil paint palette. The general theme of Xue Jiye's paintings and sculptures are surreal figures, in an almost science fictional environment and symbolising people's increasing pressures in society. Xue removes all references to Western or Eastern society or even to time periods, creating more universal works that everyone can relate to. For example, the figures are all nude, so that fashion and style (which relate to time periods, etc) are not relevant to the work. Also, the figures are all neutral and bald, eliminating their Eastern or Western-ness. Xue Jiye's artwork undoubtedly has timeless appeal; often people comment that the works can be viewed many times, and each time they provide "food for thought" and the appeal and appreciation of his works increases with each viewing. Xue Jiye's works are subtle and not too bright or colourful, but when one spends more than a few seconds looking at his work, one will start to gain a deep appreciation towards someone who is surely one of China's most creative and talented contemporary artists.
Yin Zhixin – solo exhibition Oct 13 - Oct 25, 2007
Yin Zhixin's much adored robust ballet dancers can be admired at Art Scene China starting October 13. The young sculptor uses fiberglass and bronze to create bendy ballerinas. Although these pieces are far from the traditional image of a ballerina, these plump and bald figures still charm the masses. The works of Yin Zhixin are well regarded and collected because they are exceptionally crafted. The smooth heads, arms and legs in juxtaposition with the rough layers of fiberglass dresses compel many viewers to feel the sculptures for a full appreciation of the senses. The textural "Dancer Series" and "Butterfly Lovers" offer ample humor and delight. They are to be touched and loved. Yin Zhixin does not like to distract the viewers, so he produces his sculptures cleanly and purely in all white or all black.
Li Xin – solo exhibition Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2007
Li Xin, a Chinese artist who has been living in France, has been growing in importance with more and more international exhibitions, including the most recent Art Paris exposition. Li Xin, as an artist who does not live in his homeland, continually reflects on China and its culture and history. The artist employs Chinese ink within his exquisite paintings, a very traditional chinese medium, with a modern, medidative, contemproary approach; the graceful resulting compostitions also hint back to the traditional. The artist claims that "painting with ink is like entering another dimension in space and time" and his observations about the universe are beautifully transcribed on paper. Li Xin uses soothing colours in his abstract pieces, yet somehow the renderings are reminiscent of Chinese landscapes, indicating the artist being influenced by his roots and meditating about nature. The paintings are transcendent and offer ample soul. Although he uses dark colors of gray and black, his work is far from dismal. Li Xin offers a gentle palette with soft pink and blue highlights that float on paper like "traveling spirits". One cannot help but feel moved when admiring his work.
Song Haizeng – solo exhibition Oct 27 - Nov 9, 2007
Song Haizeng expressively paints himself with contagious, big smiles and amusing poses to contemplate happiness. Song's latest series has been partially inspired by the cubist paintings of Picasso, which he has re-arranged in his own style. For example, the composition of one of Song Haizeng's latest paintings depicts the artist running with himself, painted in the artist's own style. The position of the runners was directly inspired by a cubist Picasso painting of two people running, although the original painting does not depit the figures quite so clearly, nor are the poses very logical, as they are twisted in a cubist manner. Song continues to use bright oil paint and often uses colors of yellow, blue and pink, which excite the viewers senses, to express moments of joy. According to the artist, "pleasurable moments come and go within seconds" and it is important to embrace these feelings rather than dwell on the negative. Song Haizeng's self portraits have been exhibited world wide. His work is bright and lively and his composition is quite unique for Chinese contemporary art. His paintings are wonderfully energetic and his giant grin is infectious. It is uplifting to delight in his charm on canvas.
