Rising Artist Ding Shilun's Sweet Paintings Mask Unsettling Truths

"I was never that interested in this kind of mainstream historical narrative. It is often very heroic. I wanted to look for the parts that are not told in that way. This led him toward more open image-based experiments, marking a departure from institutional expectations and traditional Guangdong artistic conventions toward personal artistic exploration."

"A six-month exchange at Chelsea College of Arts brought him to the UK, marking an important shift. He realized that his earlier figurative language depended on a specific cultural context. Once removed from it, he began asking: How do I explain myself? How do I translate effectively? This prompted fundamental reconsideration of his artistic approach."

"Across four large-scale paintings, Ding constructs a highly theatrical visual system, orchestrating figures as a puppeteer might. The works combine Goya-esque compositions, populated by monster-like figures from popular culture, expressions influenced by Japanese manga, and narrative structures reminiscent of Chinese Spectres in Rehearsal zhiguai tales."

Ding Shilun, born in 1998, emerged as a rising artist after his 2021 work sold for £114,300 at Phillips London, far exceeding estimates. Growing up in an artistically inclined family, he studied oil painting at Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, initially focusing on historical subjects. Dissatisfied with mainstream historical narratives, he pursued experimental image-based work. A pivotal six-month exchange at Chelsea College of Arts in the UK prompted him to reconsider his figurative language and cultural context. His current Zurich exhibition showcases large-scale paintings combining Goya-esque compositions, manga influences, and Chinese zhiguai narrative structures, while incorporating relatable everyday details that engage viewers.

Read at Artnet News