CHAO DING
Perceptual Artist.
MFA at LSU
Work and live in San Jose, CA
Artist statement:
My paintings serve as a diary, capturing the essence of moments and fragments from my surroundings, imbued with emotional struggles, vulnerability, and mental fantasies. Through my work, I seek to reveal unusual beauties and poetic significance in deserted spaces, drawing viewers into the depths of my perception.
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Growing up with a sense of loneliness, I developed a sentimental attachment to discarded and non-functional objects. Upon arriving in the US, feelings of displacement led me to explore abandoned houses, where I found a sense of rootedness amidst mystery and memories. The decayed textures and subtle colors left by time fascinate me, as they carry narrative possibilities in a silent dialogue of human absence.
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As a foreign artist, I find echoes of isolation in these specificities, providing a unique lens through which to communicate. Through my art, I strive to reintroduce forgotten beauties to viewers' eyes, offering a universal impression of psychological representation.
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I seek harmony amidst chaos, discovering internal orders within visual elements encountered in casual surroundings, even in the most mundane scenes. In my compositions, I simplify and structure objects, offering my interpretation to spectators. Exploring the "negative" sides of things, such as the backs of stores or storage spaces, I find satisfaction in truth, belonging, and beauty.
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In today's fast-paced world, where connections are fleeting and emotions are often overlooked, I aim to preserve remnants that evoke empathy and memory. Amidst the ephemeral nature of contemporary life, I strive to capture brevity and vanishing on my canvas, transforming fleeting moments into eternal reflections.
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