Dive into the iridescent art of Zhuang Hong Yi

IT is easy to be dazzled by Zhuang Hong Yi’s canvases. His three-dimensional “flowerbed” art merges the boundary between painting and sculpture. Each canvas is made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of folded rice paper flowers. They’re meticulously painted so that they change colour depending on the angle from which they’re viewed. Each petal and leaf seems poised to flutter off the canvas like butterflies.

But don’t take our word for it. See them for yourself at REDSEA Gallery – that discreet, elegant art space in the enclaves of Dempsey Hill – which has a new solo show for Zhuang. Titled Iridescence, the show features 25 artworks that blend Eastern and Western influences into a distinctive, harmonious and spellbinding style.

At age 61, the Chinese-Dutch artist has attracted many collectors across the world. He has held solo exhibitions in the Found Museum in Beijing, the Groninger Museum in the Netherlands, the Ulm Museum in Germany, the Erarta Museum in St Petersburg and the 2013 Venice Biennale in Italy. He is currently creating a large commissioned work for one of the biggest private museums in China.

Zhuang says: “I think what most collectors like about my work is that it instantly reminds them of the richness of nature – even though what I’ve really done is to distil what’s beautiful in nature and transform it into something abstract.”

Born in Sichuan, China in 1962, he grew up amid stunning natural landscapes, which instilled in him a profound sense of wonder and connection to the world: “As a boy, I used to go hiking on the mountains and fishing in the rivers. My appreciation of colours is the direct result of those experiences. Back then, it was really hard to travel out of China, or find a lot of information about other countries. So the natural world became my entire world and perspective.”

He studied printmaking in Sichuan College of Fine Arts. But he admits he “only really became an artist” when he left China at age 30 to study art at the Minerva Academy in the Netherlands. There, surrounded by Western art galleries and museums, he found the courage to embark on his own art practice, untethered to the stricter rules of art-making in China.

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“Holland is a small country, but its artistic legacy is huge. Many great artists from Rembrandt and Vermeer to de Kooning and Mondrian were born here. Its creativity extends beyond the visual arts in other fields like design and architecture… It was only in Holland that I realised I had to reinvent the rules in order to create something genuine and lasting.” 

Borrowing techniques from traditional Chinese landscapes, calligraphy and the delicate craftsmanship of Dutch flower paintings, Zhuang creates pieces that evoke feelings of serenity, balance and harmony. Upon closer inspection, these pieces transcend mere aesthetics, revealing layers of intricate detail and storytelling that burst forth from the canvas.

Chris Churcher, owner of REDSEA Gallery, says: “Zhuang‘s latest collection truly captures the essence of his charismatic persona. To exhibit the show at REDSEA Singapore, in our 21st year, is a testament to the worldwide collectors, who have elevated him to one of today’s most sought-after and recognisable figures in the art world. 

“His technique is nothing short of mesmerising, leaving viewers bedazzled and intrigued, prompting the question, ‘How does he do it?’ It’s like witnessing pure magic, and the joy of seeing this reaction from onlookers is undeniable. Describing it without seeing it first-hand is challenging, but you might imagine it as a fusion of abstract painting infused with a vibrant, kinetic energy that takes art to a whole new level. 

“It’s an experience that could be described as a Mark Rothko painting on steroids, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.” 

Zhuang says, with a small chuckle: “I see my works as sculptures that are meant to be touched and felt. Of course, one is not allowed to touch most artworks in a gallery or museum, for fear the works might be accidentally destroyed… But if you do buy one of my works, I suggest you touch it carefully. Run your fingers through the flower petals, feel their delicate textures, take in their colours, respect their fragility. Doesn’t it remind you of nature itself?”

Iridescence by Zhuang Hong-yi is now showing at REDSEA Gallery at Blk 9 Dempsey Road, 01-11 Dempsey Hill. Call 6732 6711 or e-mail info@redseagallery.com for information. Admission is free.