The Garden of Evolution
Zhang Guo-Qiang
Rì Galerie is pleased to present the annual online solo exhibition titled "The Garden of Evolution" by the Contemporary Mainland Chinese artist Zhang Guo-Qiang. The exhibition showcases a collection of cross-media works inspired by modern visual theory, erxploring the construction and portrayal of oriental visual imagery in the contemporary era, the artist's creative approach aims to experiment with new modern color theories and innovative language techniques rooted in traditional visual systems. This practice encapsulates the artist's exploration and application of diverse painting languages, contributing to the preservation and evolution of cultural heritage.
Lost in a Fresh Rain at West Imperial Garden, 2012 - 2013; acrylic paint on canvas; 82 11/16 x 102 3/8 in. (210 x 260 cm.)
Sprinkles in the Garden, 2016 - 2019; acrylic paint on canvas; 59 1/16 x 47 ¼ in. (150 x 120 cm.)
During a sudden rainstorm, the melody of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony resonated in the artist’s ears. Images of the majestic landscapes from the Song and Yuan Dynasties, along with the extraordinary grace of calligraphy and steles flashed through his mind. Alone in the rainstorm, the artist found himself inexplicably excited, feeling as if he was wandering through his spiritual garden.
The Garden of Evolution blends classical poetry and modern dynamism. Beneath the glamour, however, there exists a sense of superficiality and powerlessness. The piece resonates with a robust essence of traditional Chinese culture, delivering a soft yet potent poetic current alongside a pronounced modern influence. This interplay between the contemporary and the ancient within the cultural backdrop prompts the audience's contemplation, inviting them to linger, akin to a "Reincarnated Poet." This series consists of over 100 acrylic paintings on canvas that the artist has created over the past decade. It serves as his primary body of work from recent years, segmented into various derivative series like "Rose Garden," "Rhythm of Wood and Stone," "Misty Clouds," and other related series.
Evolution serves as the central theme of this series, which revitalizes traditions through innovative visual concepts, ushering in a fresh evolution that renders abstraction more accessible to contemporary audiences. Within this body of work, the artist employs color splicing techniques to depict vivid and direct rain, initiating a transformation towards new and modern color palettes. Drawing from the artist's exploration of color in digital imagery, a distinctly personal color language emerges throughout the Garden of Evolution series.
Rhythm of Wood and Stone – A Mountain with Peach Tress, 2021; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 35 7/16 in. (100 x 90 cm.)
Dance in the Night, 2016; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 78 ¾ in. (100 x 200 cm.)
This unique palette also permeates the artist's rice paper creations. As a result, the works within this series are interconnected; while they may exhibit diverse appearances, they maintain internal cohesion as they continuously explore and evolve.
Cirrus Clouds Vast Works - 1, 2020; acrylic paint on canvas; 118 1/8 x 82 11/16 in. (300 x 210 cm.)
Cirrus Clouds Vast Works - 2, 2020; acrylic paint on canvas; 118 1/8 x 82 11/16 in. (300 x 210 cm.)
Tree of Light, 2019; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 31 1/2 in. (100 x 80 cm.)
Sprinkles in the Garden, 2018; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 31 ½ in. (100 x 80 cm.)
Icy Snow in Remote Valley, 2013; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 78 ¾ in. (100 x 200 cm.)
Misty Clouds Dreaming Fantasy, 2018; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 78 ¾ in. (100 x 200 cm.)
Morning Mist Garden, 2016; acrylic paint on canvas; 31 ½ x 39 3/8 in. (80 x 100 cm.)
Misty Clouds - Trace of Clouds , 2018; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 31 ½ in. (100 x 80 cm.)
Misty Clouds – Hazy Moonlight, 2017 - 2020; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 31 ½ in. (100 x 80 cm.)
Sprinkles in the Garden, 2016 - 2019; acrylic paint on canvas; 59 1/16 x 47 ¼ in. (150 x 120 cm.)
The Pavilion for Gazing at Waterfalls, 2013; acrylic paint on canvas; 39 3/8 x 31 ½ in. (100 x 80 cm.)
The Prospect of the Song and Yuan Dynasties I, 2012; acrylic paint on canvas; 59 1/16 x 47 ¼ in. (150 x 120 cm.)
The Movement of Autumn, 2014; acrylic paint on canvas; 61 x 35 7/16 in. (155 x 90 cm.)
The Year Renchen June 6th, 2013; acrylic paint on canvas, 47 1/4 x 59 1/16 in. (120 x 150 cm.)
The April Movement - 1, 2021; acrylic paint on canvas; 59 1/16 x 59 1/16 in. (150 x 150 cm.)
The April Movement - 2, 2021; acrylic paint on canvas; 59 1/16 x 59 1/16 in. (150 x 150 cm.)
