Portrait With Chair

Sho Peng, *Jiawei, Portrait* *(2024)*, Oil on Canvas, 36 x 24 in.

Dama Gallery is pleased to present "Portrait with Chair," by Sho Peng. Merging his Chinese heritage with Western art influences, this early study of traditional Chinese painting highlights the brushstroke's role in conveying mood and the essence of creation.

Sho Peng stands at a unique intersection of cultural and artistic narratives, drawing from both Eastern and Western traditions to forge a distinct path in contemporary art. His reverence for David Hockney's approach is palpable; Hockney, viewed by Sho as one of the paramount contemporary artists, revolutionized the artistic dialogue by treating art as a continuous beginning rather than an endpoint. This philosophy resonates deeply with Sho, particularly in how Hockney handles the brushstroke—an element Sho considers fundamental to the artist's medium awareness.

In "Portrait with Chair," Sho's technique reflects a synthesis of his Chinese heritage and his extensive engagement with Western art concepts. Traditional Chinese painting, which he studied from a young age, emphasizes the significance of the brushstroke to capture the artist’s mood and the essence of creation. This influence is evident as Sho explores the depth and texture of brushstrokes, channeling greats like Van Gogh and Anselm Kiefer, who similarly prioritized this element in their work.

The exhibition also delves into Sho's innovative approach to spatial perception. Eschewing traditional Western perspectives that rely heavily on shadow and scientific projection, Sho instead embraces a minimalist approach. He utilizes geometric composition, color gradation, and negative space to articulate spatial relationships, reflecting the influence of Eastern artistic principles evident in the works of Hokusai and other Ukiyo-e masters.

Beyond the technical aspects, Sho's personal narrative intertwines with his artistic output. Formerly aspiring to be a novelist, he brings a deep love for characterization and storytelling into his paintings. Portraits in this series are less about physical accuracy and more about capturing the essence of his subjects as he perceives them—transforming personal memories and impressions into compelling visual narratives.

Sho Peng's "Portrait with Chair" is not just an exhibition but a dialogue with art history, a meditation on cultural synthesis, and a personal revelation of the artist's inner landscape. This solo exhibition promises to be a reflective and enriching experience for viewers, blending minimalism, symbolism, and a profound understanding of the brushstroke to communicate complex emotional and philosophical truths.

Adding to the excitement, Volume 4 of The Bureau of Queer Art will open at Dama Gallery in Ventura, CA, from June 1 to August 3, 2024. This event marks the 1-year anniversary of The Bureau, featuring a group exhibition that includes Sho Peng among other distinguished artists. This gathering will not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also showcase the vibrant and diverse expressions that define The Bureau of Queer Art.

Featured in Season 2, Volume 2 of The Bureau of Queer Art, Sho Peng eloquently discusses the profound influences shaping his artistic expression, available for deeper exploration in the freely downloadable magazine and podcast at ArtGalleryStudios.com.