Hu Zeqian

Artist Statement

For me, creating art is akin to orchestrating a symphony, blending images and emotions into a harmonious whole. Drawing from a variety of sources like museum collections, magazines, photos, and medieval artifacts, I find inspiration within resources available online and in the physical world. Sketches are an essential and integral part of my creative process; they are not merely preliminary. Unlike many artists who sketch on paper, I predominantly use Adobe software for sketches. Selecting images for combination and color coordination consumes a significant portion of my creative time. My sketches are applied to canvas using an original flat painting technique. My canvases incorporate elements of Chinese dunhuang mural plants, flame patterns, and Western medieval manuscript motifs. Inspired by the techniques of Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi, I incorporate white figurative line patterns that intentionally blur object definitions while highlighting unique details. This approach draws viewers into the intricate layers of my work, challenging them to discern between abstraction and figuration. By employing techniques reminiscent of printmaking and collage, I create a visual experience that keeps audiences engaged, prompting them to explore the intricate details within each piece. I endeavor that my works also serve as a reflection of our inner thoughts through the vivid imagery depicted on the canvas. Utilizing vibrant, almost psychedelic industrial colors as my primary palette, I aim to capture the dynamic interplay of light and shadow found in nature, creating a luminous neon effect throughout my works. By purposefully replicating or reorganizing images, I transform them, blurring the lines between digital and figurative art, and challenging traditional artistic categorizations. My work allows me to breathe new life into forgotten moments, weaving them into contemporary narratives that explore the intricate connections between the past and present, fiction and reality, and personal and universal themes.

Artist Bio

Hu Zeqian, born and raised in China’ Hunan Province, currently calls Washington, D.C. his home. Hu’s artistic journey began at a young age. It was in elementary school where Hu discovered his love of expression through creativity. Eventually graduating from Shandong University of Arts in 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Hu’s dedication to art has been unwavering. Throughout his university years, he diligently refined his painting techniques while embracing contemporary painting to explore new horizons. Painting, for Hu, transcends mere technical skill; it embodies the very essence of his being. Bright colors, often associated with positivity and prosperity, take on a nuanced meaning in his art. Just as in nature, where vibrant colors signal toxicity in certain organisms, the figures and elements in his works symbolize deeper desires, relationships, and the human experience. While Hu’s art celebrates the beauty and complexity of life, it also explores the darker aspects of existence, revealing themes of suffering, loss, resilience, and the perpetual pursuit of happiness amidst adversity. Through his art, Hu aims to convey profound truths of human existence – the struggles, the joys, the complexities, and the resilience that define our shared humanity. Within the intricate layers of his works lie a tapestry of emotions, from despair and nihilism to love, hope, and optimism. In embracing and exploring these contrasting elements, Hu strives to offer a glimpse into the profound depths of the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of life and the enduring spirit that propels us forward. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Hu opted not to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree. Instead, he set off for Shanghai to make a living. There, he seized opportunities for growth and learning by engaging with galleries and advertising companies, enriching his experiences and paving the way for a professional career.