ART CRITIQUES
<Masterpiece Review>
"Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award"
Jury Board and Marta Puig - Editor of Contemporary Art Curator Magazine / EU / 2024
In the dynamic world of contemporary art, "The No-Boundary Moment" by Jeong-Ah Zhang emerges as a profound statement on existential reflection and metaphysical dialogue, capturing the spirit of a generation that seeks to transcend traditional artistic boundaries. Awarded the prestigious “Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award” in 2024, Zhang's masterpiece is a luminous example of how art can ignite the imagination and challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
This painting is an eloquent exploration of the concept of existential thresholds- the moments where the known and the unknown coalesce. At first glance, the artwork captivates with its surreal landscape, where a human figure crouched over a watermelon while holding a fan is juxtaposed against a bizarre, mask-like form hanging from a surreal, frame-like structure. The bold contrasts and the enigmatic symbolism in Zhang's work invite viewers into a realm of speculative interpretation, making a profound impact on the observer's psyche.
Jeong-Ah Zhang, through her meticulous choice of medium -acrylic on canvas- achieves a texture and depth that enhances the vibrancy and surreal quality of the landscape depicted. The painting's expansive horizon juxtaposed with the detailed, almost hyperrealistic treatment of the human form and the surrounding
objects showcases Zhang’s masterful control of her medium. The luminosity of the sky and the earthy tones of the ground highlight the dramatic tension between the elements of the composition, enhancing the overall sense of an unfolding narrative that invites endless interpretation.
"The No-Boundary Moment" transcends mere visual artistry; it is a philosophical inquiry into the essence of human existence and the liminal spaces that define our realities. Zhang's ability to convey complex, abstract ideas through tangible imagery sets her apart as a visionary in contemporary art. This painting’s title itself suggests a moment of transformation and boundlessness, reflecting the artist’s intention to explore the moments where boundaries dissolve and new possibilities are born.
Zhang’s recognition with the “Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award” is not only a testament to her individual genius but also underscores her significant impact on the global art scene. Her work is celebrated for its innovative approach and its ability to communicate deep, introspective human experiences that resonate universally. The award highlights the importance of her contributions to contemporary art, which push the envelope and set new benchmarks for creativity and expression.
Jeong-Ah Zhang's "The No-Boundary Moment" is a masterful articulation of contemporary existential and metaphysical questions, rendered through a unique visual language that challenges and delights. It is a deserving recipient of the “Future of Art Global Masterpiece Award”, marking a significant moment in the trajectory of contemporary art and affirming Zhang’s role as a pivotal figure in shaping its future. Her artwork not only captures the zeitgeist of our era but also offers a gateway to understanding the deeper, often unspoken dialogues that govern our subconscious landscapes.
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"Breath and Beyond: The Existential and Transcendent Art of Jeong-Ah Zhang"
Contemporary Art Collectors / EU / 2024
In Jeong-Ah Zhang's work, one witnesses an intersection of existential inquiry, surrealism, and transcendental philosophy that reveals the essence of existence. Jeong-Ah Zhang, a Korean artist deeply invested in the philosophy of immanence and transcendence, creates images that are at once haunting and revelatory. Her visual language draws from the surreal and symbolic, addressing themes of existence, consciousness, and the invisible connections between life, nature, and the cosmos. Her works are a profound meditation on life’s impermanence and interconnectedness, reflecting both personal introspection and universal resonances.
Her statement, with its focus on life’s core values and the exploration of an expansive philosophical vision, underscores a search for a higher understanding. Jeong-Ah Zhang speaks to the philosophy that all beings are connected by an "essence of life," a transcendent "breath" linking the conscious and subconscious, life and death, visible and invisible. Through her unique style, Jeong-Ah Zhang translates these ideas into images that challenge and invite introspection.
In Transparent Time Scale, Jeong-Ah Zhang engages with the fluidity of time and the concept of transparency in memory. The piece, a mixed-media canvas, employs a balance between sharp and softened details that evoke the passing of time and the fading of moments. This visual tactic reflects her philosophical engagement with memory, presence, and absence. Jeong-Ah Zhang’s strokes and choice of colors generate an atmosphere of transcendence, where shapes appear to shift between visibility and obscurity. The layered effect brings to life a kind of ‘temporal transparency,’ where memories of the past intersect with the fleeting moments of the present, suggesting that each instant in time is a palimpsest of former experiences.
"The Visible World and The Invisible World No.4" This sculpture and photography hybrid speaks to Jeong-Ah Zhang's fascination with the dualities of existence—the physical and metaphysical. The piece juxtaposes tangible, recognizable forms with abstract, ethereal elements. Here, Jeong-Ah Zhang appears to be exploring the idea that what we perceive with our senses is only a fraction of reality. By using sculpture as a medium to create shadows and reflective surfaces, she adds layers of depth, pushing the viewer to contemplate not only what they see but also what exists beyond perception. This concept aligns with her belief in the connected cycle of "creation and extinction," a theme that resonates profoundly in the simultaneous materiality and transcendence of the piece.
In Breath, Air and Shadow, Jeong-Ah Zhang captures the ethereal nature of consciousness and the transience of life. The photograph, with its subtle contrasts and carefully modulated light, embodies her philosophical notion of “breath” as a link between the conscious and subconscious mind. The play of shadow and light here reflects Jeong-Ah Zhang’s belief in life as a series of oscillations between presence and absence. This work, in particular, highlights Jeong-Ah Zhang’s technical ability to manipulate visual elements to suggest philosophical depth, and it invites viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of both breath and thought, as well as the cyclical pattern of life itself.
"6 Buttons and Multi-dimensional Structure". This acrylic piece reveals Jeong-Ah Zhang’s continued experimentation with multi-dimensionality, a core element of her exploration into the boundaries of perception. The piece's bold colors and abstract form embody Jeong-Ah Zhang’s philosophical musings on existence and non-existence. The titular "6 Buttons" suggest nodes or points of decision and interaction, emphasizing the idea of choice and agency within the boundless structure of the cosmos. This work brings a strikingly geometric balance to her portfolio, suggesting that the cosmos is not merely chaotic but ordered by unseen principles and energies. The piece invites viewers to consider their own place within this structured universe, resonating with Jeong-Ah Zhang’s desire to spark introspection.
"Mirage of Consciousness". In this large canvas, Jeong-Ah Zhang explores the fluid boundaries of reality and illusion. Painted with oil and acrylic, the Mirage of Consciousness blurs the line between dream and reality. Jeong-Ah Zhang's use of vibrant colors alongside muted tones creates an unsettling dichotomy, where forms appear to morph and merge, as if caught between worlds. This piece seems to question the nature of consciousness itself, aligning with Jeong-Ah Zhang’s view of reality as a construct, influenced by both the conscious mind and subconscious imaginings. Here, her art becomes a meditative experience, drawing viewers into a space where perception is fluid, challenging the viewer to confront their understanding of reality.
"A Low Voice". This acrylic work uses muted tones and delicate linework to convey a sense of quiet introspection. The title, A Low Voice, alludes to the often overlooked whispers of the subconscious. Jeong-Ah Zhang’s technique of layering delicate forms, veiled in muted colors, speaks to her belief in subtle energies that guide our consciousness. The piece is a testament to her philosophical approach to art as a means of silent reflection, a pathway to understanding the nature of thought and emotion in their subtlest forms.
The No-Boundary Moment reflects Jeong-Ah Zhang's exploration of unity and transcendence. The piece radiates an energy of boundlessness, embodying the Zen-like concept of oneness. Her brushstrokes blur lines and boundaries, evoking a dissolution of barriers between self and universe. Jeong-Ah Zhang's use of circular forms and interconnected motifs suggests a vision of the cosmos as a single, continuous entity. This work echoes her view that art is not only an exploration of the self but also a journey into the collective consciousness, resonating with her ideas of “awakening” and achieving balance.
In A Quiet Meal, Zhang plays with juxtaposition and surrealistic elements to offer a critique on consumption and existential hunger. The scene is both intimate and disturbing, capturing a lone figure in a dimly lit room, isolated with her thoughts. Here, Jeong-Ah Zhang uses food as a metaphor for the soul's nourishment, raising questions about what truly sustains us. The atmosphere of stillness within the piece evokes the quiet introspection that Jeong-Ah Zhang emphasizes in her philosophical statements, making the viewer aware of the complex interplay between external sustenance and inner peace.
Jeong-Ah Zhang’s art stands as a testament to the transformative power of philosophical contemplation translated into visual language. Her works are intricate tapestries of thought and form, each piece inviting viewers to step beyond the tangible world and engage with the unseen energies that govern existence. Her unique style—characterized by its surreal compositions, muted palettes, and symbolic forms—engages viewers in a dialogue about the transient nature of life, the vastness of the cosmos, and the intricate web connecting all things.
Jeong-Ah Zhang’s philosophical grounding in concepts of immanence and transcendence gives her work an additional depth, setting it apart within the contemporary art world. She does not merely create art to be seen; she creates art to be experienced, to be meditated upon. Each piece is a visual koan, a question posed to the soul that requires not an answer but a profound internal response. Jeong-Ah Zhang’s art bridges the conscious and subconscious, challenging viewers to explore their own perceptions of reality, existence, and interconnectedness.
Her art is deeply personal yet universal, reflecting her belief in “breath” as the link between all beings. The notion of breath, as Jeong-Ah Zhang describes, becomes a metaphor for life’s rhythm, a cycle of creation and extinction. This idea permeates her work, imbuing each piece with a sense of timelessness, as if they exist outside of the ordinary boundaries of space and time. Jeong-Ah Zhang’s art does not seek to provide easy answers; rather, it is an invitation to contemplate the mysteries of existence, urging viewers to listen to their own inner voice and embrace the eternal “flash point” of creation that she so eloquently captures.
Jeong-Ah Zhang’s work is a beacon of introspective art that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. She has created a body of work that not only reflects her own journey of self-discovery but also resonates with universal themes of existence, consciousness, and the invisible connections that unite all living things. Her surrealist approach, infused with a deep philosophical awareness, serves as a reminder of art's power to awaken, to heal, and to reveal the profound beauty of simply being. Jeong-Ah Zhang's vision is one of eternal resonance, a continuous cycle of reflection, creation, and transcendence that encourages us to find meaning beyond the surface, within the very essence of life itself.
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"Exploring the Metaphysical Depths: The Art of Jeong-Ah Zhang"
By Marta Puig - Editor Contemporary Art Curator / EU / 2024
Jeong-Ah Zhang is a distinguished contemporary artist hailing from Seoul, South Korea, whose oeuvre transcends the boundaries of painting, photography, and mixed media. Her work beckons viewers to traverse the liminal spaces of consciousness, presenting a surrealist exploration that reflects deeply on the human condition and the universe's inherent mysteries. Zhang's artistic journey, underpinned by a robust academic foundation from Ewha Women's University and extensive exhibition history, is a testament to her profound engagement with philosophical and metaphysical concepts.
Zhang's art is deeply rooted in the contemplative traditions of Oriental Buddhist philosophy, though she approaches these ideas from a secular, personal perspective. Her works are not mere representations of religious motifs but are rather intricate reflections of her introspections on life and existence. She draws upon the Buddhist notion that all things operate mysteriously without true substance, using this as a scaffold to explore the transient nature of reality and consciousness.
Her statement, "My life is my experiences, which are, in turn, the evidence of my life," encapsulates the essence of her work. Zhang's art is a dialogue between the visible and invisible realms, a symbiosis of the metaphysical and the tangible. This philosophical underpinning is evident in her use of symbols, metaphors, and imagery that resonate with the nature of life and the principles governing the universe.
Zhang's paintings are characterized by their surrealist elements, which often blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Her canvases are populated with dreamlike landscapes, ethereal figures, and abstract forms that invite viewers to question the nature of their own perceptions and experiences. The interplay of light and shadow, color and form, creates a dynamic visual narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Her work often employs a palette that ranges from muted, earthy tones to vibrant, otherworldly hues, reflecting the duality of existence and the spectrum of human emotions. This chromatic diversity enhances the surreal quality of her paintings, allowing her to explore themes of creation, extinction, and the cyclical nature of the universe.
Jeong-Ah Zhang's extensive exhibition history includes five solo shows in both Korea and the USA, and participation in over 80 group shows and art fairs across the globe, including France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the UK. This international exposure has cemented her reputation as a significant figure in contemporary art. Her works have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, with 39 international awards and 15 domestic recognitions attesting to her artistic prowess and the universal appeal of her work.
At the heart of Zhang's work is a profound engagement with metaphysical themes. She sees the universe as a complex interplay of consciousness, unconsciousness, and the subconscious, a notion that she intricately weaves into her art. Her paintings often feature motifs that symbolize the cyclical nature of existence, the interplay of creation and destruction, and the ephemeral nature of life.
One of the recurring symbols in her work is the motif of the mirror, which serves as a metaphor for self-reflection and the exploration of the inner self. This symbol not only reflects the visible world but also hints at the hidden layers of the subconscious, urging viewers to delve deeper into their own psyche.
Critics have lauded Zhang's ability to merge the philosophical with the aesthetic, creating works that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually stunning. Her art invites contemplation and introspection, challenging viewers to reconsider their understanding of reality and their place within the cosmos. The surrealist elements in her work have been compared to the likes of Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, yet her distinct approach imbues her paintings with a unique voice that is unmistakably her own.
Zhang's work has been described as a "soul resonance beyond the time frame," capturing the timeless and universal aspects of human experience. This timeless quality, coupled with her philosophical depth, makes her art resonate with audiences across different cultures and backgrounds.
Jeong-Ah Zhang's work stands at the fascinating intersection of traditional philosophies and contemporary artistic practices. This juxtaposition is one of the hallmarks of her style, where ancient Eastern philosophies are brought to life through the lens of modern surrealism. Zhang’s paintings are imbued with a timeless quality, yet they also engage with contemporary issues and sensibilities, making her work both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.
Her deep understanding of traditional art forms and techniques is evident in her meticulous attention to detail and the careful composition of her works. However, Zhang does not confine herself to traditional methods alone. Her exploration of mixed media and photography demonstrates a willingness to innovate and experiment, allowing her to express her ideas in multifaceted ways. This blending of old and new creates a dynamic tension in her work, inviting viewers to explore the continuum between past and present, reality and imagination.
Nature and the universe play a central role in Zhang's artistic vision. Her work often reflects a profound reverence for the natural world and its cyclical processes. This is not merely an aesthetic choice but a philosophical one, as she seeks to capture the essence of life’s perpetual motion – the cycles of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth.
Zhang’s use of natural elements serves as a metaphor for the larger metaphysical themes she explores. For instance, the recurring imagery of water in her paintings symbolizes fluidity and the continuous flow of time and consciousness. Mountains, trees, and celestial bodies are also prevalent, each representing different facets of the universal cycle and human existence within it.
The cosmic perspective is another significant aspect of her work. Zhang often incorporates celestial themes, depicting stars, planets, and nebulas to evoke the infinite and mysterious nature of the universe. These elements underscore the idea that human existence is part of a larger, interconnected cosmos, encouraging viewers to ponder their place in the grand scheme of things.
One of the most compelling aspects of Zhang’s art is its emotional resonance. Her works evoke a wide range of emotions, from awe and wonder to introspection and melancholy. This emotional depth is a testament to her ability to connect with viewers on a profound level, allowing them to engage with the work both intellectually and emotionally.
Zhang’s art is deeply personal, reflecting her own philosophical musings and life experiences. Her introspective approach invites viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-reflection. The symbolic and metaphorical nature of her work acts as a mirror, encouraging individuals to explore their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.
Understanding Zhang's artistic process provides further insight into the depth and complexity of her work. Her creative process is both disciplined and intuitive, involving extensive contemplation and reflection. Zhang often begins with a conceptual framework, grounded in her philosophical inquiries, and then allows her intuition to guide the actual creation of the artwork. This blend of structure and spontaneity results in works that are both thought-provoking and organically expressive.
Zhang’s meticulous approach to her craft is evident in the detailed and layered nature of her paintings. She employs a variety of techniques to create texture and depth, such as layering different media, incorporating photographic elements, and using intricate brushwork. This technical prowess enhances the visual impact of her work, making each piece a rich tapestry of meaning and emotion.
Jeong-Ah Zhang’s impact on the contemporary art world is significant. Her unique blend of surrealism, philosophical inquiry, and technical mastery has earned her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. As she continues to evolve as an artist, it is likely that her work will only grow in depth and complexity.
Looking ahead, Zhang's future projects promise to further explore the intersections of consciousness, nature, and the universe. Her willingness to push the boundaries of her medium and delve into new thematic territories suggests that her best work may still be yet to come. As she continues to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, Zhang remains a compelling and influential figure in contemporary art.
Jeong-Ah Zhang's art is a profound exploration of the metaphysical dimensions of life. Her ability to translate complex philosophical ideas into compelling visual narratives sets her apart in the contemporary art scene. Through her paintings, she invites viewers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation, to explore the boundaries of their consciousness, and to find meaning in the transient nature of existence.
Zhang's work is a testament to the power of art to transcend the material world and touch upon the deeper truths of the human condition. Her paintings are not just artworks; they are meditative spaces that offer a glimpse into the mysteries of life and the universe. As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, Jeong-Ah Zhang remains a vital and influential voice in the world of contemporary art, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and the metaphysical realms that lie beyond.
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Art Tour International Magazine
ATIM COLLECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD "The Ambiguity of Life and Death"
By Tiarra Tompkins - Art Critic / New York, USA / 2021
Expressing the unspeakable beauty of life and death has been at the core of many artworks since the beginning of time. Sharing both the emotional highs and lows of life and the mystery and uncertainty around death. Jeong-Ah Zhang, Master Artist, Photographer, and Painter, bridges the gap in our imaginations and opens our eyes to the ambiguous world of life and death.
Jeong-Ah Zhang captures the mystery and beauty of these experiences through color, shape, and form while opening our eyes to a world of peculiar oddities we had yet to experience. Her surrealist paintings push us to the edge of our own undress ourselves and the world for more meaning than surface deep. Works like "Transparent Time Scale" and "Things" connect us to a world that exists just outside of our consciousness.
Her piece, The Spirit of the Fragrance, gives a stiff pause followed by an inquisitive, childlike curiosity. A deeply rooted bare tree stands imposing and edges its way out of the canvas as two floating spirit forms float in and out of sight. Zhang spellbindingly captures rested hands and a stillness and peace with the precision and grace of a true master artist. She unlocks the door to our inner questions and feelings, giving way to a myriad of emotions and responses with each stroke of her brush.
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Amsterdam Whitney Fine Art Gallery, New York
"OPTYX of the AESTHETICA"
By Ruthie Tucker - Executive Director, Curator / New York, USA / 2018
"The portrait is one of the most curious art forms. It demands special qualities in the artist, and an almost total kinship wilh the model," mused Henri Matisse. Contemporary painter Jeong-Ah Zhang masterfully portrays her subjects to capture the multitude of features defining humanity, harmoniously uniting physical and emotional characteristics to engender an exceptional portrait of an individual soul.
Building upon the time honored tradition of figurative art focusing on realistic individualized expressioa. Jeong-Ah Zhang’s decidedly modem reinterpretation ofhuman studies and portraiture capture her figures in surreal, dark backgrounds, from which the figures appear illuminated. Questioning conventional beauty and portraiture with eveiy brushstroke, Jeong-Ah Zhang’s poignant figural works are loaded with a visual tension as inner dialogs and conflicts linger beneath the brightly animated surfaces.
Through striking contrast and bold colors, she creates an intimacy with his subjects, as her saturated hues and evocative forms capture the soul and style of each subject. Painting in rich tonality, the lines of the pigments remain clear within the skillful softness of the brushstrokes in botli her silhouetted and realistically rendered forms. Transforming the canvas into intoxicatingly arresting portraits, her works refute stereotypical notions of beauty, charting their own bold course as each composition is a poignant portrait of the personality of the person depicted. With emotional weight portraying a dramatic realistic vision, JeongAh Zhang’s paintings are filled wilh the essence ofhumanity as she captures the multitude of features defining the human lace and silhouette. By harmoniously uniting physical and emotional characteristics which engender an exceptional portrait, she defines the inner depths of the persona as she creates an intimacy between the viewer and each subject Her skillful compositions are like a snapshot^ as the viewer can immediately experience the integrity and quality of each portrait’s heart and soul.
With tremendous energy and remarkable vision, JeongAh Zhang creates stunning visual voyages inlo the imagination, with viewers having the privilege ofbeing able to see what one can create from the world around us. Treasured in international private collections, Amsterdam Whitney Galleiy is proud to be shining the spotlight on this contemporary star.
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"JEONG-AH ZHANG"
By Dr. Salvatore Russo - Art Critic, Editor-In-Chief, Curator/ Rome, ITALY / 2018
A very complex visual language that of Jeong-Ah Zhang. A language that reminds me of the intensity of the characters represented, the one used by the greatest modern figurative/conceptual masters. In this new symbolic surrealism, Jeong, show what is the genius of the dictates of her mind. A mind that generates signs and chromatic visions, which the artist reports on canvas. This is how these magnificent masterpieces are born. In each composition it is possible to notice more exhibition floors. The plot is enriched by enigmatic elements that lead the bystander to question the true meaning of the work of art. A work of art that turns into a real visual dialogue.
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ArtTour International Magazine - Artist Spotlight
"Getting In Touch"
By Thomas Lioutas - Art Critic / New York, USA / 2017
Jeong-Ah Zhang has created a fresh body of work based on the artistic heritage of modern art, while at the same time enriching and enhancing her compositions with her conceptual input. She is an artist who predominantly uses figurative art as her primary subject and carefully structure the complex world that she aims to. It is an approach that brings forward her unique technique, as she has an elegant hand bringing to life figures and objects, orchestrating a rich visual result.
Jeong-Ah frequently makes use of abstract elements such as patterns, an element that contrasts her primary figurative approach and further enhances its impact. This technical background based on the rich cultural heritage of the Surrealism movement, one of the most pivotal and influential movements of the 20th century. It is an approach though that remains relevant to contemporary artistic production, as it externalizes the fundamental concerns, notions, and concepts that Jeong-Ah Zhang wants to propose to the public.
All these elements can be seen in her most recent body of work, “River of the Plan,” produced in 2017. The viewer confronts a dream-like landscape, one that combines a grassy plain with a river which is painted in a way to be reminiscent of the sky, while the subtle addition of a fish further enhances the visual riddle presented. This landscape also includes a nude male figure holding an umbrella, a figure that presents an overall balanced artwork.
The artistic style of Jeong-Ah is one that steps the viewer into complex visual labyrinths that demand a careful examination to unravel and manifest their full conceptual background. Thus, despite being initially a personal artistic expression based on the subconscious imagination of the painter is gradually transformed in artworks that demand an active approach from the public to decode and understand them. It is a process which lies at the heart of the contemporary artistic production, as the viewer is seen as an integral part of the final artistic result, thus creating a fruitful and fascinating dialogue.