Amongst the ever-changing economic boom in China and the explosion of the Chinese contemporary art and commerce market, artist Chen Jiagang keeps his feet on the ground. He does this by capturing the disorder of China's new big cities, combining them with his poetic documentation of the nation's past that captures the melancholy yet hunting juxtaposition of today's China. Not only does he do this with the skill and proficiency of an artist, but also with the finesse and accuracy of an experienced architect, real estate developer, and art collector. These attributes did not come by chance; in 1999 Chen was named one of the United Nations' top 12 young architects, and more recently, was awarded the Excellent Works Prize in the 20th China Photographic Art Exhibition.

A successful past would normally lead an artist to a future of self-indulgence. But Chen's pieces are drenched in tradition and a genuine respect for the working classes China was built upon. Chen’s work captures the real moments–- scenes that can never be re-created by photo or film. Only by digitally piecing together the most poignant, romantic parts of larger images, Chen creates the reality you wish you’d seen.

Through transatlantic conversations, misinterpretations, and lost-in-translations, psychoPEDIA made an attempt to break the man behind these manifestations to find out whether a successful past in architecture can really help build a dream.

With an eye for the past, would you say you are a traditionalist?
There’s no absolute to determine that I’m traditional or not, but I think you can say that I’m a person who respects history.

Do you think there’s a danger in China of people forgetting what makes their culture unique?
The rapid speed of social change, economic growth or urban development will definitely endanger people’s memory of the past.

Would you say your art mirrors your view on this?
Exactly.

What's more powerful, the camera or the pen?
Camera.

Can you trace your sources of inspiration to the same places in both your past architecture and your current art works?
Yes. To me, architecture is a form of art, so their natures have been overlapped already.

Did your past successes outside of the art world give you a head start as an artist? Was there less pressure to have your work shown and sold?
No, I think I experienced what it takes to be an artist from the beginning.

Is there pressure for young artists to conform to a certain style and risk originality to create works to appeal to collectors and gain attention of reputable galleries outside of China?
They would surely have more opportunities of showing, and more money, if they are leaning towards that direction; however, I don’t think they should sacrifice their originality in exchange for fame and fortune.

What are your views on China's current art boom?
I think Chinese contemporary art has just begun.

~Kevin Soar


Photos by Chen Jiagang, courtesy of ChinaSquare Gallery, NY/Beijing