Jun Chen: China

Overview

Jun Chen was born around Guangzhou in 1960, migrated to Australia in 1990 after the Tiananmen Square uprising, and currently lives and works as an artist in Brisbane. Chen studied tradition ink drawing in China, then ‘Western’ oil painting at QUT, making his technique unique in both practice and execution. His latest exhibition China – Back and Forth, is testament to the talent and creative journey this artist has not only lived, but captured.

This display of Chen’s work doesn’t so much explore China’s scenery, monuments or street-scapes, rather the people who inhabit them. From young children flying kites, to the ‘new generation’ young girls on their iPhones, Chen explores the richness of historic China, alongside the emergence of the new. Consumption also plays a key role in his paintings – tables crowded with exotic flavours and colours, to the street butcher’s and waitresses who make it possible, Chen explores the cycle and changes of food and tradition through his painting. Paintings that are richly textured with mists of colour, around fine-lined and detailed figures – have a look at some his previous work here.

China – Back and Forth runs for three days only at The Hold Artspace, West End.