WU QIONG

Chinese artists in China are discussing their new series and unmistakable style.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Chinese artists in China are discussing their new series and unmistakable style.

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ABOVE Wu Qiong’s Bound For The Unknown is part of his Here And Now series, which comprises paintings and sculptures. It focuses on the idea of the journey, rather than the destination, and the feelings of embarking on one.

BELOW The 35-year-old artist says his dreamy, whimsical style is inspired by his childhood and state of mind then.

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Wu Qiong is known for his contemporary paintings and sculptures that feature iconic characters with closed eyes, upturned faces and innocent expressions. Having grown up with an artist father and fashion-designer mother, he started painting at age six. The young artist was based in Singapore from 2003 to 2009 for his studies and work in the art industry, and he was recently in town to launch his Here And Now series.

Tell us about your new series.

Here And Now is about travel. The collection doesn’t place importance on the destination, but focuses on the journey. Life is like a journey; a road you have to travel. I want to express that, for whatever we do in life, we should embrace the process and “enjoy the scenery” along the way.

Who are these characters or figures who are always evident in your work?

They don’t actually represent certain people. When I was studying in Singapore, I created an art piece about childhood memories. It was based on dream-like ideas, like flying or sitting on clouds that look like cotton candy. The child-like characters were created then, and I just continued using them. Perhaps they seem like old people because they are dressed in old-fashioned clothes, but they are not necessarily old people. Generally, when I’m drawing, I don’t envision fixed characters. They do have similar facial features, though.

What makes your artwork so popular and distinctive?

I really want to connect with the audience, and for my artwork to resonate with them. As we experience different things, I don’t draw very specific icons. Instead, I draw scenarios that are familiar and recognisable, which might make people feel like they can relate to the art better. So, instead of drawing the Eiffel Tower or Mount Fuji, I’d translate the idea of travel or going on a journey with imagery of an open sea, the sky or clouds – things that everyone has experienced in their own ways.

Do you still see your art as an outlet of expression?

Depending on my mood, the piece could look brighter or darker. Also, what I want to express could be complicated, but I showcase it in the simplest manner possible, so that others are able to study it in that simplicity.

Are you drawn to certain colours, shapes and techniques?

White – I tend to use it a lot. I don’t like very pigmented and bright colours, so my works tend to be softer in tone.

HERE AND NOW BY WU QIONG IS AVAILABLE AT ODE TO ART, #01-36E/F RAFFLES CITY SHOPPING CENTRE, TEL: 6250-1901, WWW.ODETOART.COM.

Text LOUISA CLARE LIM photos ODE TO ART.