ZI QUAN

Zi Quan is a contemporary ink artist whose work explores the themes of change, vastness, and endlessness. Born into an artistic family, Zi's lifelong passion for art led her to focus on the traditional ink Chinese xuan paper. Her fascination with ancient Chinese history and art, particularly ink painting's enduring role in Chinese aesthetics, ignited a deep connection to this expressive form.

 

Zi Quan's academic journey, culminating in a doctorate, has been an unwavering pursuit of ink painting's potential. She takes inspiration from travelling and reading and in particular, studying ancient Chinese cosmology. Immersed in the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese history and culture, Zi draws inspiration from the past to create contemporary ink art that pushes the boundaries of tradition while remaining deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy.

 

At the heart of Zi Quan's work lies the exploration of Chinese cosmology, encompassing a broad spectrum of subjects from astronomy and astrology to mathematics, aesthetics, and early Taoism. The concept of the universe, with its timeless questions about origins and destiny, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Zi's brush becomes a tool for embarking on a visual quest through time and space, seeking answers to the mysteries of existence.

 

Zi Quan's art is a visual symphony of the past and future, time and space, the universe and time. Through the subtle nuances of ink wash, she expresses a unique understanding of these interconnected concepts. The masters of the past, particularly Fan Kuan of the Song Dynasty and the enigmatic Han Dynasty Celestial Map, have deeply influenced Zi's artistic sensibilities. Her works provide a traditional foundation, seamlessly integrating Chinese cultural metaphors into her contemporary creations.

 

Zi Quan's upcoming solo exhibition, Transfer the Ink: From Landscape to the Cosmos, at the Storey Gallery in Lancaster, UK, from June 10th to 18th, 2024, promises to be a captivating showcase of her artistic vision.