Artist Zheng Chongbin fuses western abstraction with the Chinese calligraphic tradition in works of ink and acrylic on paper, finding contemporary relevance from earlier forms of Asian ink art. Zheng’s works examine themes of time and memory, and their cumulative effects on both humanity and the natural world. In his first solo exhibition at a U.S. museum, Zheng will be presenting paintings and for the first time, a large, multiplanar video sculpture installation which responds to the unique architecture of Asia Society Texas Center as a larger macrocosm.
This exhibition is organized by Asia Society Texas Center.
Exhibitions at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Wells Fargo. The China Series is presented by East West Bank. Major support comes from Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Nancy C. Allen, Leslie and Brad Bucher, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, and the Anchorage Foundation. Generous funding also provided by The Clayton Fund, Kathy and Glen Gondo, Ann Wales, and through contributions from the Friends the Asia Society, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional exhibitions and programming to Asia Society Texas Center. Additional support is provided by INK studio, Beijing.
Exhibition Presenting Sponsor
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China Series Presenting Sponsor
Exhibition Sponsors
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Admission to this exhibition is free.
Hours
Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday– Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Closed Mondays.
Photography
Photography of the exhibition without flash is permitted.
Artist Zheng Chongbin has become renowned for his paintings that subtly reference, while moving far outside the bounds of, the historical continuum of Chinese ink art. In his first major solo exhibition at a U.S. institution, Asia Society Texas Center is organizing a presentation of his paintings and for the first time, a large sculptural installation which responds to the Center’s unique architecture as a larger macrocosm. The exhibition opens October 28, 2017 and runs through July 8, 2018.
With a deep grounding in both Chinese and Western philosophies, Zheng’s works examine themes of time and memory, and their cumulative effects on both humanity and the natural world. His belief that the world is in constant flux, consisting of matter that is forever cohering and dissipating, informs both his paintings and his process. “My intention,” says Zheng, “is to investigate the logic of the ink medium and its perceptual characteristics, the alternation between transcendence and the materiality of the work.” He applies black ink of varying consistencies to sheets of Xuan paper (made from sandalwood fiber), in a manner that allows the ink to bloom and flow organically. The resulting works resemble natural structures such as neurons, blood vessels, tree branches, rivers, and coastlines.
While maintaining his commitment to painting, Zheng has increasingly worked in other forms of art, including conceptual explorations in installation and video. At Asia Society, he will debut a new work titled Clusters of Memories, a multi-planar installation video sculpture suspended throughout the Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall. “Bringing Zheng’s work to Houston is the fulfillment of a long-held goal for us,” says Bridget Bray, the Center’s Nancy C. Allen Curator and Director of Exhibitions. “His boundary-defying works challenge and captivate viewers with references across the fields of art, science, and philosophy.”
Guests can visit with the artist over drinks and light bites during a FREE reception on Thursday, October 26 from 6 to 8 pm. The artist will also discuss his new works and process at an artist talk on Saturday, October 28 at 11 am.
Admission to the exhibition is FREE and open to the general public. Asia Society Texas Center, located at 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, Texas, is open Tuesday – Friday, 11 am – 6 pm, and Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm.
The exhibition is organized by Asia Society Texas Center.
Exhibitions at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Wells Fargo. The China Series is presented by East West Bank. Major support comes from Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Nancy C. Allen, Leslie and Brad Bucher, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, and the Anchorage Foundation. Generous funding also provided by The Clayton Fund, Kathy and Glen Gondo, Ann Wales, and through contributions from the Friends the Asia Society, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional exhibitions and programming to Asia Society Texas Center. Additional support is provided by Ink Studio, Beijing.
Reception Celebrating Zheng Chongbin Exhibition
Thursday, October 26, 6:00–8:00 pm
Visit with the artist over drinks and light bites and receive a FREE preview of the exhibition.
Artist Talk: Zheng Chongbin
Saturday, October 28, 11:00 am–12:30 pm
Join the artist as he discusses his new works and the connection with Chinese ink painting as a method.
Assemblage: Workshop with Artist Zheng Chongbin
Saturday, April 7 (10:00 am–2:00 pm) and Sunday, April 8 (2:00 pm–5:00 pm)
Contemporary Chinese artist Zheng Chongbin will lead this two-day workshop exploring his unique creative process. Workshop participants will use sumi ink, acrylic paint, water, and Xuan paper to create paintings inspired by his exhibition currently on view at Asia Society Texas Center.
Monthly Tours
To schedule a group tour outside of these designated days, please fill out the form below or contact Michael Buening at MBuening@AsiaSociety.org.
School Tours
School tours, facilitated by the education department staff and volunteers, provide educationally rich interactive opportunities for students to learn about Asian art, culture, and traditions. These free tours are open to all public, private, charter, alternative, and home schools. Visits take place on weekdays, Tuesday through Friday, for one to two hours.
All school tours and subsequent interactive projects are tethered to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and district curriculum standards. They may include:
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Docent-led tour of exhibitions in the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery
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"Introduction to Asia” PowerPoint Presentation highlighting essential information about Asian art, culture, geography, and politics
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Guided tour of the Texas Center and discussion of its unique architecture
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Interactive projects based on the current exhibition (unavailable during summer months, June through August)
At least two weeks’ notice is required for school tours and additional advance notice is required for groups larger than 25.
For more information, please Michael Buening at MBuening@AsiaSociety.org.
This exhibition is organized by Asia Society Texas Center
Exhibitions at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Wells Fargo. The China Series is presented by East West Bank. Major support comes from Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, Nancy C. Allen, Leslie and Brad Bucher, the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, and the Anchorage Foundation. Generous funding also provided by The Clayton Fund, Kathy and Glen Gondo, Ann Wales, and through contributions from the Friends the Asia Society, a premier group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional exhibitions and programming to Asia Society Texas Center. Additional support is provided by INK studio, Beijing.
Presenting Sponsor
Program Sponsors
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