Acclaimed London-based artist Chengwei Geng is a Modern Abstract Expressionist painter, embracing her mild addiction towards things that existed before she did. Using the art world as her place of fearless expression, Geng works primarily with oils, communicating life through paints and poetry. Her body of work includes self-publications of her poetry works such as ‘Late Night Feelings - Confessions of Suppressions’, ‘Circle’s Journey’, and ‘Last Stranger’ which have all been released over the last two years. Geng's latest work, Relabels PA Cry, is a creative tour de force, marking out her personal and artistic journey in the art world.
Chengwei Geng artwork is born into the world, stemming from the belief that we all subconsciously alternate our memories to our likings or to a certain level which are bearable. Unlike others, Geng creates from fictional memories. If you possess a creative or curious mind, fictional memories will be something that is quite relatable, yet never acted upon. Geng steps over these boundaries and explores the weirdness that lies deep within our minds and uses it as a channel for new works.
Alternating memories to her personal liking, Geng can navigate her days easier, with more clarity and peace. Geng creates a fictional world which acts as a constant source of influence for her artwork.
When comparing each piece of work in Chengwei Gengs collection, It is clear there is a captivating and unique style that has been developed over time. Chengwei Geng's collection is expressive and free flowing, with murky colours that capture the emotion of the viewer. There is a central figure in the majority of her works that draws the eye, and her paintings are characterised by simplicity in design and intricate detail in colour and texture.
Throughout Geng's portfolio, a central figure is revealed to be the protagonist of her paintings, which she calls "Circle".
Chengwei Geng, living with cerebral palsy, created her protagonist "Circle" to represent her own struggles with muscle tension and a lack of control over movement. With no hands or legs, Circle embodies Geng's desire to float freely and escape the difficulty of everyday life. Through close-up portraits, interior scenes, and a fictional landscape, Geng has created a world in which Circle can find its home. From searching for a place to belong, to discovering a newfound strength and courage, Circle's journey is one of self-discovery and growth. Geng's artwork is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of finding a home within oneself.
Circle is designed to be a representation of everyone’s deepest desire and insecurity. In her paintings, Geng's strokes are spontaneous and their intensity and precision vary depending on her physical condition on the day. Through her artwork, Geng has created a world in which Circle can find its home and forget the hardships of navigating the real world, as well as the inevitability that everyone endures their own fate. Geng's artwork is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of finding a home within oneself.
Chengwei Geng has had a number of exhibitions and shows, including a Royal College of Art Online Exhibition in 2021, a solo show at Liquid Gold Studio in April 2022, a collective group show at Liquid Gold Studio in May 2022, and a contributed print show raising money for the MA Art & Ecology degree show at Liquid Gold Studio in June 2022. Geng's other shows include a solo show at Liquid Gold Studio in September 2022 titled "My Name is a Curse... Submerge Me in the Cold" and a group show at Terrace Gallery - Patchwork.xyz from October 19th to November 13th 2022 titled "Overspill". Lastly, Geng will be exhibiting in a group show at The Holy Art London Gallery from November 19th to 28th 2022 titled "Epitome".
Chengwei Geng has embraced her condition as part of her identity, recognising that cerebral palsy is not widely understood. Through her artwork, she aims to bring awareness to the struggles of those living with disabilities and the additional challenges that come with life. Geng seeks to further the understanding and consideration of those who are differently abled, showing that living with a disability can be overwhelming.
At present, Geng is pursuing a month-long art residency in a small Icelandic village. Currently situated in Hackney, London with her artistic partner, Geng will create works that draw attention to certain subjects forming a community. With plans to present her stunning artwork titled "Relabels PA Cry" to King Charles ahead of his coronation, Geng will continue to publicise and document her personal and artistic journey.
