10 Questions with Jackie Jiang
Jackie Jiang is a Chinese Designer and Multi-Media Artist whose work often features a unique blend of traditional paper-making techniques and contemporary ink and acrylic artistry. Born and raised in China, Jackie embarked on a journey of artistic exploration that eventually led her to the bustling streets of New York City. Through her evocative works, she masterfully merges Eastern artistic traditions with Western influences, forging a path that celebrates cultural heritage while embracing the spirit of innovation.
Jackie Jiang - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Jackie Jiang is interested in portraying the unspeakable and intangible feelings she experiences in her daily life through the language of art, mainly ink and acrylic on paper media.
Drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese calligraphy style known as Cao Shu, her work reveals abstract scribbles and expressive brushstrokes that convey a deceptive sense of lightheartedness. Jackie's artistic process revolves around uncovering the profound connections between contemporary art and traditional Chinese calligraphy and exploring the boundless possibilities that arise from their fusion. This exploration manifests in her vibrant color palettes and intuitive forms, inviting viewers into a visual realm where the past merges seamlessly with the present.
In her artistic practice, Jackie Jiang delves deep into the realm of human emotions, seeking to capture and portray the fleeting moments and unspoken nuances that shape our daily lives. She endeavors to transcend the limitations of verbal expression, allowing her art to communicate on a visceral and instinctive level. By employing ink and acrylic on paper, she harnesses the fluidity and spontaneity of her chosen mediums, giving life to the intangible and infusing her work with a sense of energy and vitality.
Inspired by the rich heritage of traditional Chinese calligraphy, Jackie Jiang draws upon the expressive power of brushwork and the harmonious balance between positive and negative spaces. Her abstract scribbles and expressive brushstrokes convey a sense of controlled chaos, reflecting the interplay between freedom and discipline inherent in her artistic process. Each mark on the paper becomes a conduit for her emotions, offering a glimpse into her inner world and inviting viewers to embark on their own personal journey of introspection.
An Early Summer Dream, Acrylic on Paper, 11x14 in, 2017 © Jackie Jiang
INTERVIEW
First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your background, and what studies have helped you become the artist you are today?
Hi, my name is Jackie, an artist and designer based in New Jersey. I double majored in Economics and Art in college, where I took a papermaking class learning the traditional papermaking techniques. What I enjoyed the most about papermaking is the way your hands work with different kinds of delicate tree bark fiber floating in the water. You have to remember the different levels of water consistency by touch to successfully pull a sheet of paper. This kind of close relationship with the natural material and constant observation of water movement has a deep influence on my artwork and creative style. That is why paper still serves as the main medium I use, and my artwork often consists of water-like movement.
Can you tell us about your upbringing in China and how it influenced your journey as an artist?
Growing up in China, traditional Chinese calligraphy was a core component of my childhood. It wasn't just a class I had to take in school; my parents would also send me to calligraphy summer camps, which were very popular at the time. When you start learning calligraphy, you don't immediately write full, beautiful characters; instead, you begin by practicing the individual strokes that compose a character. After finishing practice sessions, the paper is hung up on a string like a piece of cloth. That childhood memory of me staring at the unfinished stroke practice sheets in the air is still vivid today. You can see where I got inspiration in some of my brushstroke-style pieces.
Veil II, Ink on Paper, 18x18 in, 2016 © Jackie Jiang
Veil III, Ink on Paper, 18x18 in, 2016 © Jackie Jiang
What prompted your move to New York City, and how has living in such a vibrant cultural hub shaped your artistic vision?
NYC is almost like the artist hub, with lots of galleries within walking distance and tons of opportunities, which were very attractive to me. But I'd say it's the culture here that really shaped my art practice. NYC is a very diverse city, and there are constant exhibitions showcasing inspiring artwork, which really encouraged me to express myself more daringly. As a result, I produced more experimental works, such as typography embroidery on vinyl.
Your work often blends traditional Chinese calligraphy with contemporary ink and acrylic artistry. Could you walk us through your artistic process and how you navigate the fusion of these influences?
My process is very organic and intuitive. Personally, I practice Chinese calligraphy as a hobby by mimicking well-known ancient copies. Through this meditative practice, inspiration often strikes naturally. Additionally, running outside daily has become another hobby of mine, allowing me to see the world and nature in vibrant colors. The natural hues I observe in my daily life seamlessly become integrated into my artwork.
Why did you choose ink and acrylic on paper as your mediums? What do they represent for you, and how do they help you convey your message?
Papermaking was invented in ancient China, and ink on paper is a traditional combination of mediums for Chinese calligraphy. Utilizing ink on paper in my artwork serves as a presentation of my Chinese cultural roots. Acrylic, on the other hand, represents my experimentation in blending Western mediums while still maintaining the essence of traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Sinian, embroidery on paper, 6x9 in, 2019 © Jackie Jiang
Sinian (detail), 2019 © Jackie Jiang
Can you discuss the significance of the ancient Chinese calligraphy style, Cao Shu, in your work and how it informs your expressive brushstrokes?
Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of China, Cao Shu, also known as "grass script," embodies fluidity, spontaneity, and a harmonious balance between control and release. As an artist with a background in Chinese calligraphy and papermaking, I draw upon the essence of Cao Shu to infuse my work with a sense of dynamic energy and emotional depth. Each brushstroke becomes a meditation, a dance between ink and paper, as I strive to capture the essence of the moment with precision. The rhythmic movements of Cao Shu guide my hand, allowing me to express my innermost thoughts and emotions with authenticity and clarity.
On a broader note, how do you see the intersection of Eastern and Western artistic traditions shaping the contemporary art landscape, and where do you see yourself within that intersection?
As an artist with a background in Chinese calligraphy and papermaking, I find myself positioned within this intersection, navigating between the ancient techniques of the East and the modern innovations of the West. I see my role as both a bridge and a catalyst, blending elements from these rich traditions to create works that resonate with audiences across cultural boundaries. In this dynamic space, I strive to contribute to a dialogue that celebrates the beauty of diversity and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared humanity through art.
What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art? In other words, what messages would you like to convey with your works?
Through my art, I aim to deliver a sense of calmness and serenity to viewers, inviting them to immerse themselves in a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. Similar to how I feel when I practice calligraphy at night, running at sunrise.
Thunderstorm, Acrylic on Paper, 11x14 in, 2017 © Jackie Jiang
Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly excited about?
I'm currently working on a series of drawings with colored ink on washi paper. It has been a while since I published work with ink on paper. This time, I see it as going back to the beginning and revisiting my passion for art.
And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work five years from now?
In five years, I'd love to devote more time to papermaking and fiber art. However, it's challenging and expensive to secure studio space in New York City that accommodates my passion in this area. Having such space would enable me to be more innovative with the mediums I use and perhaps even create more sculptures and installations if I have enough room.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
