Spotlight Artist: Qing Qi

Inspired by traditional Chinese art, Spotlight Artist Qing Qi focuses on works of art that explore the complex relationship between culturally specific issues and larger developments of a modern/post-modern age. Within this context, Qing is trying appropriating and transforming both conventional Chinese aesthetic idioms and contemporary Western vocabularies to negotiate the cultural differences between past and present, self and other. A recent London Metropolitan University MA graduate in art, design and visual culture, she won The Excellent Designer of Fashion Award in China in 1999. She also won The Copper Award Of Industry And Design in 2000, and obtained a distinction for her degree in 2002, obtained a Master’s Degree in London in 2006, and will start a PhD in Chinese contemporary art later in 2012. 

 

You might know Qing of her striking artworks in the gallery with the Chinese influences, and she has two other exhibitions coming up in September: one at the Thames Festival in the weekend of 8 & 9 September, followed by a stand in the New Artists Fair at Brick Lane, on 14-16 September. Make sure you’ll catch her on one of these occasions!

 

We were curious to learn a bit more about Qing, and asked her some questions:

What do you see as the main differences in the art world between China and the UK?

In my opinion, the main differences in the art world between China and the UK are their cultures: they come from different roots.

Traditional Chinese painting is deeply rooted in an absolutely closed authoritarian society. The history of Chinese painting is actually a process of unceasingly perfection of formal artistic medium adopted to pursue the so called ‘artistic conception (yijing)’ of techniques, and one that is continuously narrowing down on artistic concepts and aesthetic experiences.

China is an upcoming art market, do you experience that with your art as well?

Yes, more and more people like Chinese art, especially contemporary Chinese art. When I exhibit at art fairs, the audience is increasingly curious about my painting’s background, about the meaning behind my works. They feel the Chinese contemporary art market is a very strong one.

What are your main inspirations as an artist?

I find my inspirations mainly in life. I am always looking for it and I can find it everywhere, from the beauty of flowers, the nature and wild animals, to the mystery of ancient paintings and characters.

What can we expect of your participation at New Artist Fair?

It’s my first time to join the New Artist Fair, I am creating some new works for it. It will be exciting for me to meet more talent artists and visitors during the fair.

What are your highlights being part of Debut Contemporary?

Being part of Debut Contemporary is a great experience in my life. We have a lot of nice workshops and I learned a lot of it. It is a really good platform for new and emerging artists like me to practice. There is a private view every month, and especially the Gallery Games exhibition was very successful. Several artists were interviewed by the Chinese Fujian TV.  

Finally, do you have an interesting fact for us? 

Life is short, life should be full of passion. Find your passion in your life and just do it. Maybe it does not work well in the first year, or a few years’ time. Let’s see what happens after we keep that passion for ten years, or twenty years or a whole life. Hold it and never give up.

To follow Qing Qi:

 Qing Qi

@QINGQI1