Recently, ShoutoutLA interviewed artist Zelene Jiang Schlosberg.
Below Except
We had the good fortune of connecting with Zelene Jiang Schlosberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Zelene Jiang, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
This is a very difficult, almost impossible question! When you think of the eight billion people on our planet, and the millions of artists, it’s hard to conceive of a legacy, even for someone who is famous right now. But if someone happens upon my art in the future, I would like them to think of my art as speaking in a profound way to the times in which we lived (the early to mid 21st century), and of using media (canvas cutout, thread, and panels) in an innovative and compelling way. I would also hope that the future viewer actually *enjoys* looking at my art, and that it makes them stop and think for a minute or two.
I’ve also organized several online exhibitions for Chinese women artists, and I hope my efforts will raise their profile in the years to come. I want to lead by example with confidence and tenacity in pursuing my artistic goals.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my art pieces combine different styles and periods of history in an unusual and hopefully compelling way. I draw inspiration from Chinese ink painting and paper cutting techniques, old master painters such as Hieronymous Bosch, Nicholas Poussin and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, and contemporary artists such as David Hockney and Eva Hesse. I am also proud (if one can use of that term) of the vocabulary of iconography that I have developed, and which continues to evolve.
Arriving at this art certainly has not been easy, and like many artists I have gone through different styles and techniques. I read a lot of art books – there is never enough time to absorb everything I want to investigate. Through it all, I try to break out of my comfort zone, and I am always looking for fresh modes of expression.
I believe a bowl of spicy noodle soup can help anyone overcome most challenges! In all seriousness, I think it’s okay to not necessarily be producing art all of the time. I definitely go through phases of my year where I don’t make art for many months – instead, I’m reading a ton and thinking about ideas. And I think being able to allow yourself that period of reflection is really important.
Also, I would like everyone to know that I am a self-taught artist (I have degrees in other subjects), and I look to history at the many self-taught artists (Basquiat, Kahlo, Ryman) whose work I greatly admire. My point is that lacking a degree in art should not prevent someone from going for it, if they truly have the desire!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
On the Chicago side of things, besides the Art Institute and the galleries I already mentioned, I would love to take guests to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, truly a world class ensemble in a beautiful hall. I am also very into contemporary art music, and there’s this awesome venue, Constellation, which presents cutting-edge music and performance. It has that “too cool” grunge vibe that I’m very into. On the dining side of things, I absolutely take visitors to Chicago’s wonderful Chinatown, and my favorite restaurant there is Chef Xiong.
I’ve visited Los Angeles many times, so I would have no problem showing friends around that city either. The Hammer Museum is doing really innovative things, as is Hamza Walker and The Brick (formerly LAXART). My favorite restaurants might include Katsuya (any location) and Anajak Thai (Sherman Oaks).
I also truly love walking along the canals in Venice, seeing all the funky houses and garden designs.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the incredible (and under appreciated) art scene in Chicago, where I live. Yes, of course the Art Institute blows my mind every time I walk in, but I would like to particularly recognize some of the smaller galleries that I think have amazing curatorial powers: Goldfinch Gallery and Devening Projects are two that come to mind. Naturally I am deeply indebted to my own gallerists: Isabella Woldt Gallery (London and Germany) and in particular Chris Davies and Fabrik Projects (Los Angeles). Chris has shown me in CONTEXT: Art Miami and the Los Angeles Art Show four years in a row!
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