“Dreamscape” – Irene Chang Exhibition
Philosopher Heidegger's interpretation of Hegel's statement "What is rational is actual and what is actual is rational" was: "How being itself manifests." This statement almost became the theoretical basis for Western modernist exploration, sparking deep contemplation and relentless pursuit of reality versus virtuality, nature versus transcendence. On this foundation, most artists ponder: how to better express, through artistic means, the world we inhabit — the here and the beyond. In his philosophical works, Heidegger also provided theoretical guidance on this, namely the philosophical proposition of 'returning home.' Hence, we most often see artists shouldering their packs, sketching from life, and facing nature. Accompanied by this is observation, viewing, introspection, and reflection on our art and life, pondering the meaning of life and existence. So, does life ultimately have meaning? Schopenhauer long ago provided the answer: 'Life inherently has no meaning; not attaining leads to distress, but attaining leads to emptiness and boredom...'
At the end of the summer of 2025, we welcomed the joint exhibition of three artists — Chen Xiaosong, Lu Hongliang, and Irene Chang — at the Shanghai Genesis Art Space. All three are long-time painter friends and companions with whom I often explore the art of life. Chen Xiaosong's recent works integrate the beauty of the literati artistic conception from traditional Chinese painting with his own understanding of painting, possessing a distinct personal schema and style. The rational division of the picture plane and harmonious technical treatment clearly result from prolonged thought and focus, enabling him to achieve such a realm of ethereal and profound artistic conception. The colors in his paintings are pure, harmonious, yet bear distinct modern characteristics. Such paintings offer a spiritually transparent, pure, and tranquil aesthetic enjoyment.
The artist Lu Hongliang is both a university teacher and an independent artist. Never satisfied with the academic techniques and creative systems he mastered over the years, he constantly breaks through and seeks his own artistic methods. He has extensively read and browsed Chinese and Western art theories, continuously experimenting with a painting schema that is both simple and capable of expressing the imagery of nature. His works slightly absorb David Hockney's simplification and the representation and expression of subjective will towards nature, forming a unique personal aesthetic characteristic. The scenes in his paintings are ethereal and profound, with colors that are steady and subtle, providing lasting appeal.
The female artist Irene Chang is from Taiwan. The influence of traditional Chinese culture, combined with her education and inspiration received at Western higher art academies, destined her art to emanate from her inner self and unfold into a unique personal expression. Seeing a large-scale, philosophically suggestive work in her studio immediately reminded me of Gauguin's 'Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?'. Her painting possesses both a sense of primitive totemism and strong personal subjective emotion, deeply touching the viewer's heart, also reflecting the various twists, trials, and tribulations faced in life...
At the end of this summer, in the still vibrant and prosperous Shanghai, under a canopy of auspicious clouds, it allows us to enjoy the tranquility of the times while reminiscing about the past, reflecting on the present, and looking forward to the future, gathering us together in this very moment.
The exhibition was ultimately named " Dreamscape" because the artistic pursuits of these three artists each present their own ideal realm. Their mastery and integration of Chinese and Western aesthetics and explorations are fully embodied in their works, reflecting their personal artistic sentiment and aesthetic heights.
Zhang Fuli
August 22,2025, Shanghai
