Xianghan Cheng (b.1994, China) is currently based in Elmhurst, New York. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the California College of the Arts and his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University. Cheng’s artistic work predominantly centers on oil painting, focusing on the interplay of lines, shapes, and colors to create visually rich and captivating pieces. His artwork frequently showcases a deep understanding of form and color, along with a distinctive personal artistic expression.
Hello, Xianghan, thank you for joining us. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello, I am Xianghan Cheng, and I come from China. I currently live in Elmhurst, New York. I enjoy wandering the streets with my headphones on, without any specific destination, as it brings me immense relaxation. This experience serves as a significant source of inspiration for my creativity. I often draw inspiration from the diverse cities, streets, and buildings around me. Whether it’s the fluid movement of lines, the intricate textures, or the distinctive shapes, each element ignites my artistic passion.
What are the main influences or inspirations behind your abstract works, and how do they shape the themes and emotions conveyed in your paintings?
I particularly focus on three aspects: lines, layers, and fragmented overlays. Let me explain each one.
Lines:
I have a deep appreciation for the works of Piet Mondrian and Richard Diebenkorn, especially Mondrian’s early piece, “Ocean 5.” He simplifies the waves into straight and horizontal lines that express the rhythm of nature. Diebenkorn is also known for his ability to simplify landscapes, and I find great inspiration in the contrasts of rich color blocks and lines within his work. While my approach to simplification is influenced by them, I aspire to create unique lines that are distinctly my own.
In my 2022 works, I discovered my artistic language through a large arch. This arch not only marks the birth of my series featuring curves but also carries deep significance. I can interpret this arch from three perspectives: from a primitive standpoint, it represents a natural shelter that offers protection and a sense of security. On a personal level, this arch can be divided into two parts, with the left side symbolizing my father and the right side representing my mother. When they come together, they form a space that provides me with shelter, as if they are always by my side, offering support and encouragement.
Visually, I believe curves are akin to music and effectively convey its elasticity. I often play hip-hop music while creating, which I am particularly passionate about. Therefore, when I extensively use curves, it feels like I am engaging in an invisible dialogue with hip-hop artists. This combination makes my works more vibrant and resonates with my inner world.
Layers:
During my creative period from 2020 to early 2022, layers became my core concept. The process of constructing a composition is akin to building a city, where each layer is added gradually from the foundation to higher levels. A city’s development involves both successes and failures and the traces of those failures never completely disappear; they always leave some marks behind. When I add new layers to my work, I don’t completely obscure the underlying layers; I always retain some traces, which I refer to as history.
With each layer I apply, I intentionally leave some gaps. I want my work to “breathe” instead of becoming a closed wall that lacks airflow. My goal is to present four to five layers on the same plane, allowing viewers to perceive the depth and richness within. This sense of layering creates tension in the artwork as if it is narrating a dynamic story, inviting viewers to discover moments of surprise.
Fragmented Overlays:
Whenever I traverse the city, striking shapes often come to mind. For example, there are orange traffic cones, yellow DHL delivery trucks, yellow dotted tactile paving, white parking lines in lots, and the orderly arrangement of white road signs on the street. These shapes naturally jump into my mind during the creative process.
Sometimes, I transform these subconsciously stored elements into forms on the canvas. In this transformation, they do not have perfect references but rather serve as a flashback to the feelings of that moment. I attempt to capture these fragments and present them in a novel way, creating a unique artistic experience. This creative process not only depicts shapes but also echoes the details of life.
These three aspects now form the core philosophy of my abstract works. I distill them into fundamental lines, layers, and color blocks. During the creative process, I carefully consider the thickness and texture of lines, the warmth or coolness and size of colors, and the overlaps and intersections of layers. Through the combination and transformation of these elements, I am able to create diverse abstract works that showcase a distinct visual language and emotional expression, making the paintings more lively and engaging.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
I have loved drawing since kindergarten, and I officially began my art education around 2007. At that time, I started learning about drawing, painting, and quick studies. From 2007 to 2014, I studied in various art studios across different cities in China. I believed that the ability to draw things realistically was the ultimate skill.
In 2014, I moved to the United States to further develop my painting and drawing skills, still holding onto the notion that realistic representation was paramount. However, by 2017, I gradually lost my passion for realism. I realized that I didn’t want to be just a machine-producing replicas; my enthusiasm for painting waned. I sought to rediscover the joy I had in childhood—the freedom to create whatever I wanted.
I began simplifying representational forms and reconstructing them using these simplified shapes in my quest for happiness through art. Between 2019 and 2022, I experimented with rollers to create layers and textures, building up thick impasto effects.
Since 2022, I have taken my work a step further by simplifying the compositions even more. I aim to integrate everything I’ve learned and loved over the past decade into a unique artistic language that reflects my personal journey.
How does your creative process differ between different mediums, and what drives your choice to express certain concepts through each medium?
I enjoy exploring different styles and experimenting with various mediums. I’ve tried mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. Each medium offers me a broader perspective; for instance, the diverse textures provided by mixed media and printmaking, the dimensionality of sculpture, and the compositional aspects of photography. Combining these elements always inspires new ideas and fresh insights in my work.
What does “community” mean to you, and how do you see yourself in a community?
To me, a community is a diverse gathering place where individuals engage in different forms of expression but unite through a collective love for art. It is a space for listening, sharing, and learning. I believe that each person is a point within the community; while one point may seem insignificant, as more unique points join together—growing from 1 to 10, then 100, and eventually to 1,000—this collection of points becomes incredibly vibrant and powerful. I define myself as a unique and free point within this community.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
It’s not difficult to persist in doing something for a week, but what about continuing for ten or twenty years? Don’t give up on your dreams; keep pushing forward.
text & photo courtesy of Xianghan Cheng
- Website: https://www.hxxcheng.com
- Instagram: @chengcxh
