FROM OUR FAVORITE ARTIST SERIES

Step into the enchanted world of Emily Cheng, where fragments of history dance with bursts of color to create a symphony of imagination and wonder. With a brush in hand and a heart full of curiosity, Cheng weaves together threads of culture, heritage, and human experience to create artworks that are as captivating as they are whimsical.

Born from a passion for painting and a thirst for exploration, Cheng's artistic journey has taken her from the halls of the Rhode Island School of Design to the bustling streets of New York City and beyond. Along the way, she has left her mark on galleries and museums across the globe, enchanting art collectors and enthusiasts alike. In Cheng's world, chaos and order collide in a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors. From the ornate designs of 15th-century Europe to the mystical allure of Zhou Dynasty goddesses, her artworks are a celebration of humanity's quest for meaning and beauty.

Each artwork tells a story, and each color evokes an emotion. Cheng's art is a window into the soul, akin to the works of Hilma af Klint. Through her paintings and drawings, she delves into themes of the world, wholeness, fragile beauty, and celebration, inviting viewers to contemplate the rich tapestry of human existence. This contemplation is crucial now more than ever as we reflect on the essence of humanity in such a dark period of our history, possibly the most challenging in modern times. Her works are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of creativity to transcend time and space.

Cheng draws her source material from all aspects of visual culture, heavily influenced by both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions.

I don't know if I could or would want to sum up my work in words. We are such a logocentric society that we have convinced ourselves that words are more factual than visual material. I’m still staunchly committed to the power of visual experience.

Critics have hailed Cheng's work as a fusion of Persian miniatures, medieval illuminations, and painterly abstractions—a near-psychedelic journey into the depths of the imagination. But beyond the praise, Cheng's art is rooted in a deep sense of reverence for the past and a profound appreciation for the present. As she puts it, "I look around the world and see amid chaos, its rich and complicated history. Its architecture and museums are full of cultural artifacts that leave visual clues to other civilizations and philosophies." Through her art, she seeks to capture the essence of these artifacts, to breathe new life into ancient symbols, and to forge connections between past and present.

Cover Art- TowerOrb Flashes on Canvas, 72”x60”, 2019

Emily Cheng Website