A New Beginning Part II
From the Inside Out, Radiate Brilliance
by Rita Lee
The spring of 2023 marked a new beginning for Irene Chang. The enthusiastic response from her exhibition “A Walk in Life – OUR STORY” at the end of 2022 inspired her passion for her creations. Every artwork by Irene Chang carries a positive energy, empowered the life experiences of others, and this helped her ensure that she is on the right path. The essence of creation, like the natural cycle of blossoming and withering flowers, represents the continuous vitality of life. Returning to the world of creation, Irene Chang continues to explore, uncovering the significant meanings and values behind every sensation, using her artwork to convey her perceptions and discoveries of the external world.
Irene Chang once said,” Don't forget, life is short, and in every moment, we must make the right choices." Between each beginning and end, individuals possess the power of discernment and choice. Based on our words, and actions, the outcomes will reveal the answers, whether it’s moving forward to the next stage or remaining in the same place, it all depends on having a firm belief in oneself. In the spring of 2023, Irene Chang continues to create with “circles” and “crosses” in her artworks “A New Beginning I” and “A New Beginning II”. The 2022 "O/X - 2022. Spring" series presented many differences from her previous works. The hand movements to create the repetition of lines and shapes require delicacy and continuity, allowing Irene Chang to delve deeper into her own inner world during this process.
In Yayoi Kusama's autobiography, she mentioned the starting point for her creation of repeated patterns:” I wanted to present a different 'light' using endless repetition of rhythm and a singular color tone, seeking a new form of artistic expression. This technique cannot be interpreted using the conventional contrasts or methodologies of traditional paintings." (From "Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama," p. 49, Yayoi Kusama). Irene Chang, who studied under the Zhang Daqian’s disciple Sun Yunsheng, has also gradually transformed from her gongbi techniques into her own unique painting style.
Because of her solid foundation in childhood artistic training, the backbone of Irene Chang’s artwork still exhibits the powerful and meticulous characteristics of Eastern painting. This framework becomes nourishment, allowing Irene Chang to integrate the painting techniques nurtured by both Chinese and Western cultures, resulting in natural and lively brushwork. Geometric symbolic elements are layered upon thick ink and color, creating a sense of lightness and freedom. The circles vaguely appearing in the paintings, representing flowers, continue to exist and bloom even more brightly. The intersecting brushstrokes, which previously formed numerous "X" shapes, now take on the symbolic form of a "⼗" sign. When these intersecting brushstrokes appear and are lightly colored on the canvas, a natural radiance emerges among the flowers, subtly conveying a sacred message. Light transcends from colors, manifesting its divine and unstoppable essence.
"What is right? What is wrong? What is good? What is bad? Who gets to decide and judge?" The answers to these questions vary from person to person and are not absolute. When creating alone, Irene Chang repeatedly asks herself these questions. From the initial stages of creation last year, filled with deliberation and doubt, to this year where she confidently wields her brush with hope and joy, she knows that the concept of right and wrong will continue to evolve, and everyone will ultimately face the judgment of their own results.
Just as artistic techniques have deep roots passed down through generations, under this historical backdrop, people learn and search for their own answers, finding a new beginning within the nourishment of the past.
Firmly believing in the right convictions, one will see hope and radiance.
Photos by Irene Chang Studio
