Chen Jiang Hong 陈江洪 returns for his fifth Lunar New Year issue for La Poste, France. The Year of the Rabbit stamps are his 9th and 10th in the current cycle which began 2019, with the Year of the Pig.
“It is important for me to bring the culture to which I am attached to life, to allow it to cross boundaries, and to allow others to be a part of it. I try to tell stories in such a way that they become universal.” Chen Jiang-Hong
Chen Jiang Hong Image courtesy French Embassy Cultural Services
The above quote from Chinese-French artist Chen Jiang Hong could describe his approach to his Lunar New Year designs. Born in China, he attended the Beijing School of Fine Arts and eventually moved half way across the world to study at École Nationale des Beaux-Arts de Paris. Chen remained in Paris after graduation and has made it his home. Painter, writer & illustrator, Chen has also authored 12 books and illustrated 22, including an illustrated book describing his early childhood during the Cultural Revolution.
2019 Year of the pig
Chen’s work aims to be halfway between the East and the West. His move to France in 1980 inspired a change in his paintings, through the appropriation of the codes and practices of a culture to which he had never had access before. Chen Jiang-Hong Biography – Chen Jiang-Hong on artnet
2020 Year of the Rat
Chen blends Chinese calligraphic traditions, with familiar motifs for each issue. Many common elements can be found – flower blossoms, the use of blues, reds and pink, and expressive animals.
2021 Year of the Ox
“The design means to be an ode to Mother Nature, to show our love and respect,” Paris-based Chinese artist Chen Jianghong told Xinhua. “I used many colors, trying to convey a sense of tranquility.” French Post issues stamps to celebrate Chinese New Year of Ox – Global Times.
This could also be applied to each one of his yearly designs, not just the Ox stamps.
2022 Year of the Tiger
Chen uses an art technique called Xieyi in his paintings. Xieyi means “Transcribe the idea”. The website Chan Painting described it as reflecting “the feelings of the painter in harmony with the suggested subject and the key word is poetry” ”Transcribe the idea” – Xieyi Style – Chan Painting has one of the best, most approachable explanations on this artistic style I’ve found to date. I highly encourage you to visit the page.
2023 Year of the Rabbit
If you are in Paris on January 14, 2023, you can meet Chen at a special event held held by Le Carré d’Encre. Know that if you go, I’ll be pea green with envy. They host some awesome artist signings!
WHEN:
Saturday January 14, 2023
Le Carré d’Encre, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
13bis rue des Mathurins 75009 PARIS
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