Zheng Mengqiang: Warm Flow from the East Coast
Zheng Mengqiang's works give me an immediate sense of calm and tranquility, as if each painting is a movie scene, a slice of life imbued with significant moments. The images convey a concentrated power, capturing and eternally preserving these fleeting instants.
His paintings transport me back to those unremarkable moments that hint at life's pivotal events. Encounters and farewells, leaving an old home, starting anew, and the evolving relationships with family and friends—all these elements can be found in his work. Through the use of color, positioning of figures, and composition, each painting is a condensed slice of life, as if telling me that every moment in life is worth cherishing.
Pausing and Reminiscing
The reason I emphasize Zheng Mengqiang and his work is that art, for me, is a form of healing and a means to understand myself. Previously, I simply liked certain pieces without knowing why. Now, I strive to uncover the connections between what I like and my own experiences. Art allows me to express my subjective emotions, and Zheng Mengqiang's works always make me linger, carefully observing the scenes as if watching a movie, leading me into long reflections.
The characters and stories in his paintings stimulate my imagination and judgments, quickly constructing a fictional movie in my mind. These images blend with my own memories, pulling me into the past. The characters seem like myself, living through those ordinary yet significant moments.
Reflection and Aspiration
Zheng Mengqiang's paintings not only bring back memories but also fill me with aspirations for the future. Especially in his portrayals of couples, though they may not exactly mirror my experiences, they stir a longing for ideal love. The scenes of couples gazing into the sunset, sharing intimate moments on a serene beach, or a newlywed couple celebrating their first child's arrival—these images, full of sweetness and serenity, inspire my dreams of love.
I remember once discussing love with Zheng Mengqiang. He said that when you know the person is right, you feel a peaceful certainty, a confident and unwavering belief in your choice. This sentiment deeply moved me and shaped my expectations for my own romantic life. In my twenties, I prioritized personal growth, but now, connections and emotions with others have taken on greater importance, and family has become increasingly central in my life.
In today's world, where relationships have become increasingly fast-paced and superficial, Zheng Mengqiang's warm and moving depictions remind me of the importance of genuine, pure, and deep connections between people. Zheng Mengqiang's works reflect his understanding of intimate relationships and family, resonating with my inner longings. His paintings not only validate the value of human emotions but also constantly remind me of my true inner desires and pursuits.This emotional resonance and reflection make every viewing of his work a healing and self-discovering experience.
About the Artist
Zheng Mengqiang was born in Xiapu, Fujian Province in 1987. He graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts in 2011 and currently lives and works in Beijing.
Zheng Mengqiang's works have been exhibited in various major art institutions domestically and internationally, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto (MART), X Museum, Guanshanyue Art Museum, etc. His works have also been collected by institutions such as Today Art Museum, X Museum, and the Australia China Art Foundation.
For more information, please visit HdM Gallery
