Tang Ke
Beautiful Beautiful Series, 2005, Acrylic on Film, 180cm x 150cm
Tang Ke
Details
1972
Born in Chengdu, China
1994
Graduated from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts
A Journey from Traditional Art to Material Exploration
Tang Ke, born in 1972 in Chengdu, graduated from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1994. After graduation, he questioned the heaviness of traditional art, leading him to temporarily shift towards interior design, which served as a foundation for exploration and practice. Through this phase of engagement with materials and media, he laid the groundwork for his future artistic endeavours. Although he developed an interest in transparent materials in 1996, early experiments were unsuccessful, causing this exploration to be shelved for nearly nine years.
Capturing the Chaos of Urban Life
In 1997, Tang Ke officially dedicated himself to artistic creation, focusing his early works on the dynamics and blurriness of street crowds. He employed vibrant colours and elements such as neon lights and billboards to vividly portray the hustle and bustle of urban life. His painting technique combined the rough layering of oil paint with the delicacy of airbrush techniques, reflecting a strong pursuit of visual effects. As his creations progressed, his compositions gradually shifted towards softer and more personal expressions, exploring the fleeting nature of life.
Transforming Urban Culture with Transparent Film
Starting in 2001, Tang Ke’s artistic journey took a transformative turn, concentrating on the representation of urban culture. In late 2005, he began creating oil and acrylic works directly on transparent film, gradually shaping his personal style. In 2006, his series depicting parrots on film, along with subsequent large-scale landscape works (repainting) on film, were exhibited in various international art institutions. These works not only showcase his unique understanding of the characteristics of transparent film media, but also represent his subversion and reconstruction of traditional art forms. The use of transparent materials allowed Tang Ke’s paintings to present an illusory, dreamy effect under the refraction of light. His technique of simultaneously depicting on both sides of the film further disentangled the relationship between image and brushstroke, allowing them to exist as independent organic combinations.
Still Life and the Art of Observation
In 2011, Tang Ke shifted his focus to still life genre, particularly creating a series centred around winter melons. From 2014 to 2017, he produced numerous sketches, delving deeper into the meaning and forms of painting language. The works from this phase emphasised the meticulous depiction of branches and leaves, revealing complex spatial correlations.
The Profound Symbolism of Winter Melons
In 2018, Tang Ke returned to painting with themes of winter melons and other vegetables. His works not only presented full of life plant forms but also transcended the boundaries of the ordinary. He remarked, “When you gaze at something, everything will come.” Through his deep observation of winter melons, the artist sensed the connection between these plants and existential emotions, endowing his works with profound significance.
Translucent Series Pig Head
2007
Arylic on Film
110cm x 80cm
Translucent Series Insect
2007
Acrylic on Film
40cm x 55cm
Fruit Series
2021
Oil on Canvas
60cm x 80cm
Winter Melon Series
2013
Oil on Canvas
60cm x 80cm
International Acclaim and a Legacy of Artistic Innovation
Tang Ke’s artistic exploration and expression reflect the diversity and possibilities of contemporary art, presenting a deep contemplation of visual art and life. Tang Ke’s art has been exhibited and collected by numerous international institutions, including
Solo Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
Exhibition
On View
Tang Ke Solo Exhibition
10 Oct 2024 - 09 Nov 2024
Tue – Sat: 11am to 7pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm
Singapore
