The energetic, abstract and often sculptural paintings and collage
of Dan Jiang reveal the work of a dynamic and talented artist. Utilizing
the abstract stylings of modern western painting tradition and incorporating
traditional Chinese elements, such as joss paper, Jiang seamlessly synthesizes
two world cultures.
Born in the Jilin province of Inner Mongolia, the youngest child in
what would prove to be an artistically accomplished family, Jiang exhibited
considerable talent early on. With the assistance and informal tutoring
of his talented older sister, Don Xin, and older brother, Hong Yuan,
Jiang developed and honed his artistic talents. This training proved useful
in trade school and Jiang, after graduation, found work as a welder, quickly
rising to the rank of manager overseeing nearly 100 employees. Still,
Jiang did not forego his creative imagination; he continued to create exquisite
and sophisticated paintings and unique sculptural pieces throughout
his years working in the factory. In 1989, at the encouragement of Slaymaker
Fine Art, Jiang, soon to be followed by his brother Hong Yuan, relocated
to the United States to pursue his dream as a professional artist.
Jiang's experience and training as a tradesman has had a major impact
on his paintings, both on paper and canvas. Jiang utilizes a variety of
construction materials--modeling paste, resins and epoxies--to create
highly sculptural paintings and collage. This very modernistic painting
technique is, however, counterbalanced by Jiang's insistence on continuing
the ancient tradition of mixing his own paints using raw pigments. "It's
labor-intensive," admits Jiang. "But I find it necessary for
the overall process." He adds,"You must know your materials;
it's no different than making glazes for ceramics. There is no better
way to know paint then by mixing the pigments yourself."
Through the encouragement of Slaymaker Fine Art Ltd, Jiang is once again
making sculptural works from metal, something Jiang had abandoned upon
leaving China. Slaymaker Fine Art Ltd is proud of its nearly fifteen-year
relationship with Dong Jiang, introducing his work to private and
corporate collectors around the world.
|
