ARTIST STATEMENT
“I cut, paint, stack and position canvases to create hybrid works that dangle precipitously between painting and sculpture, with attention to line and architecture always present. I create a labyrinthine narrative of abstract, figurative, and mystical configurations, set in a world simultaneously familiar and uncanny. The act of cutting canvas manifests immediately and intimately. The gesture of the blade in motion translates to direct emotion. As nature’s light penetrates, shadows cast on the wall. Between the tension and illusion of real and unreal, the canvas feels reminiscent of memories, of yearning and blurry screams.”
Jiang Schlosberg begins her art making process with sketches and then proceeds to cut canvases before applying acrylic paint and deciding on an ordering scheme. The idea of stacking, juxtaposing, and layering responds to her intense study of Old Master paintings, including triptychs, as well as the Eastern influence of Chinese ink paintings. The effect also responds to the sense of general repetition our recent times have produced: patterned itineraries without end, with discoveries made daily, even if in a desultory fashion.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Zelene Jiang Schlosberg (b.1977) is a Chinese-American artist living and working in Chicago who has been hailed for her bold approach to art-making that has resonances in both painting and sculpture. Solo exhibitions include Chinese American Arts Council Gallery (NYC), North Central College (IL), University of Illinois at Chicago, East Central College (MO) and Woldt Gallery London. She has participated in numerous group shows, including at Zhoub Art Center, CICA Art Museum Korea and The Royal British Society of Sculptors. Her painting “Directions #0” was featured on the cover of composer John Liberatore’s 2018 debut CD album, “Line Drawings” (Albany Records). Her works can also be seen in Artist Talk Magazine (UK), Studio Visit (US) and Art Market Magazine (Israel). An enthusiastic lover of contemporary classical new music, she frequently collaborates with notable avant-garde musicians, who also collect her work, in addition to several museums. She is a participant at Context Art Miami (2021) with Fabrik Projects Gallery. Jiang Schlosberg received a master’s degree from Beijing Normal University.
© Zelene Schlosberg