The Pulse Beneath
Beyond the stroke, beyond the learned touch,
a pulse stirs—quiet, yet undeniable,
calling from beneath the surface.
歌山图
The Song of the Mountain
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2023
The brush moves, but the technique remains silent;
it is the spirit beneath that speaks.
The Song of the Mountain
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2023
In the space where perception falters,
the pulse lingers—
dissolving form, untethered from the visible,
waiting to be heard.
a pulse stirs—quiet, yet undeniable,
calling from beneath the surface.
歌山图
The Song of the Mountain
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2023
The brush moves, but the technique remains silent;
it is the spirit beneath that speaks.
The Song of the Mountain
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2023
In the space where perception falters,
the pulse lingers—
dissolving form, untethered from the visible,
waiting to be heard.
Interviewing
Chongben
EST8: We don't possess the profound knowledge to engage in art appreciation or critique; rather, our focus lies in the artist's creative journey and the thoughts underlying their work. Why don't you begin by sharing what you wish to express?
Chongben: In fact, my artistic career spans several phases. Upon graduating in 2016, I worked primarily with realistic oil painting. The intent was simple: to delve into classical oil painting, focusing on achieving accuracy and realism. In this pursuit, I saw technical progress, a sign of mastery. Self-awareness and personal style were not born yet.
It was only around 2018, during my master studies, that I began to form my desires for self-expression, realizing I could no longer pursue pure realism, which was no longer sufficient for my artistic career.
有白鸽的静物
Still Life with White Dove
Acrylic on canvas
55x75cm, 2022
55x75cm, 2022
EST8: What sparked this shift?
Chongben: Oil painting has always been rooted in the Western tradition, and in that context, few artists are able to express Zen-like qualities or convey true "spiritual essence" of what lies beneath. The current Chinese art market predominantly favors Westernized works and artists with overseas backgrounds. However, if a Chinese artist’s work lacks a distinctive Chinese aesthetic, it risks blending into the broader global art scene.
The representation of Chinese art has long been overshadowed by Western ideals. The education system, too, emphasizes the study and imitation of Western modern artists—this blind imitation inevitably stifles creative autonomy. Although art has become a universal language in a globalized world, cultural and aesthetic systems remain unique to each context.
Spring
Acrylic on canvas
110x160cm, 2022
110x160cm, 2022
EST8: It resonates deeply. Many times, we find ourselves unconsciously led by Western aesthetic frameworks...
Chongben: This realization led me, around 2020, to explore Chinese painting, specifically the brushwork and rhythm inherent in traditional Chinese art. Chinese art emphasizes "spiritual expression," as opposed to the Western tradition fixation on realism. It focuses instead on the flow of air and energy. The art of the Song dynasty, for instance, epitomizes this in its balance of the real and the imagined, the light and the shadow. The principle of "less is more" transcends realism, employing diverse brush techniques to enrich the visual composition.
温柔的禁止 2
Gentle Prohibition
Acrylic on canvas
28x38cm, 2022
28x38cm, 2022
EST8: Then, what is the theme aimed to express in your current creations?
Chongben: What moves me in nature. I have a deep appreciation for the natural world, sensing the life force in every plant and tree. It is a conversation with nature, as I cultivate plants myself, and in turn, they nourish my own spirit. I don’t seek to convey something profoundly philosophical, as everyone experiences meaning differently; what resonates deeply with one person may not affect another in the same way.
静
Tranquility
Acrylic on canvas
42x29.7cm, 2023
Tranquility
Acrylic on canvas
42x29.7cm, 2023
Chongben: Additionally, I am exploring how to convey the spiritual essence and intention of Chinese painting through Western oil techniques, but intentionally moved away from the extensive use of typical blank space in traditional Chinese painting. Over the past year or two, I’ve made it a point to visit museums in various cities in China, immersing myself in the details and intentions of ancient artifacts. In Chinese painting, flowers, birds, fish, and insects all embody their own spirit—this is a recurring theme in my work. I am also experimenting with creating my own painting mediums, seeking to produce distinctive visual effects.
孤芳图 1, 2
The Solitary Bloom 1, 2
Acrylic on canvas
70x70cm, 2023
70x70cm, 2023
关于鸟的诗之七
Poem about Birds, 7
Acrylic on canvas
60x80cm, 2022
Poem about Birds, 7
Acrylic on canvas
60x80cm, 2022
EST8: This is a deeply meaningful pursuit. The current environment is one of impatience—everyone chases rapid success, unable to pause and truly explore.
Chongben: Yes, and it’s not necessary to become a prominent figure to pursue this path. Between 2022 and 2023, I worked with a gallery to organize my personal exhibition. I was aware that my work was not yet commercialized or market-ready, But I wouldn’t compromise my expression just to please the market. Creation is a vital way of engaging with and perceiving the world.
白色的鸟-向埃因霍夫致敬
The White Bird – A Tribute to Friedrich Eynhoff
Acrylic on canvas
55x75cm, 2022
55x75cm, 2022
关于鸟的诗之一
Poem about Birds, 1
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2022
Poem about Birds, 1
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2022
EST8: Yet marketability is still a practical concern. Among the artists we encounter, they typically fall into two categories: one is supported by substantial background to continuously explore and push boundaries, while the other returns to creation after securing a stable life foundation.
Chongben: Relying on art to make a living is certainly challenging. Even achieving financial stability is difficult, don’t even mention the time left to contemplate the expression of "spiritual energy" or refine one’s techniques. This is the reality for most people. I don’t seek material wealth; my life is simple and stable, and having time to create is already a rare privilege. In this era, it’s challenging for the younger generation to experience a leap in wealth, so it is more meaningful to do things that bring personal fulfillment, at least I think so. Sometimes, I feel a strong pull to return to the countryside, write with a brush, and cultivate plants.
山海色秋
Autumn's Hue on the Mountains and Seas
Acrylic on canvas
110x160cm, 2023
风声
Whisper of the Wind
Acrylic on canvas
42x29.7cm, 2023
EST8: Perhaps this is a form of "returning to simplicity" after engaging with the world.
Chongben: Yes, people joke that I abandoned my career in realism to explore Chinese aesthetics through Western mediums, calling it “self-sabotage” or chaotic experimentation. But if the work you do is disconnected from your own interests, it becomes a form of suffering. I walk this path with great freedom, without much planning or expectation. If my creations can move or inspire those around me, then my role as an artist is fulfilled.
山海色秋
Autumn's Hue on the Mountains and Seas
Acrylic on canvas
110x160cm, 2023
风声
Whisper of the Wind
Acrylic on canvas
42x29.7cm, 2023
EST8: Perhaps this is a form of "returning to simplicity" after engaging with the world.
Chongben: Yes, people joke that I abandoned my career in realism to explore Chinese aesthetics through Western mediums, calling it “self-sabotage” or chaotic experimentation. But if the work you do is disconnected from your own interests, it becomes a form of suffering. I walk this path with great freedom, without much planning or expectation. If my creations can move or inspire those around me, then my role as an artist is fulfilled.
黑鸽
Black dove
Acrylic on canvas
40x50cm, 2021
40x50cm, 2021
CREDITS
Back Drop Photo 1
泉
Spring
Acrylic on canvas
110x160cm, 2022
孤芳图 2
The Solitary Bloom 2
Acrylic on canvas
70x70cm, 2023
Back Drop Photo 3
关于鸟的诗之七
Poem about Birds, 7
Acrylic on canvas
60x80cm, 2022
泉
Spring
Acrylic on canvas
110x160cm, 2022
Back Drop Photo 2
The Solitary Bloom 2
Acrylic on canvas
70x70cm, 2023
Back Drop Photo 3
关于鸟的诗之七
Poem about Birds, 7
Acrylic on canvas
60x80cm, 2022
CHONGBEN
Born in 1995 in Maoming, Canton, graduated with a BA and an MA in Oil Painting from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. Currently lives and works in Guangzhou.
EXHIBITIONS
2024 Falling Bird - Group Exhibition, Kōngshān Art Museum, Hangzhou
2023 Interlude, Yeson Gallery, Shenzhen
2023 Dust and Light – Youth Cross-Media Exchange Art Exhibition, Zhi Art Museum, Shenzhen
2023 10th "Art Shenzhen" Art Fair, Shenzhen
2021 2nd National College Student Art Exhibition, China Art Museum, Beijing
2021 Multidimensional Progress – Contemporary Oil Painting Exploration in Guangdong Nomination, Zhuhai Art Museum, Zhuhai
2021 3rd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area School Art Exhibition 2021 5th Guangdong Provincial College Art Works Academy Award Biennale, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts University Town Art Museum, Guangzhou
2021 7th Guangdong Contemporary Oil Painting Art Exhibition, Li Tiefu Art Museum, Jiangmen
2021 6th China Oil Painting Newcomers Exhibition, China Oil Painting Institute, Beijing
2016 A Journey of a Thousand Miles – 7th Annual and 2016 Graduates' Outstanding Works Exhibition of China’s Key Art Institutions, Tsinghua University Art Museum, Beijing
2024 Falling Bird - Group Exhibition, Kōngshān Art Museum, Hangzhou
2023 Interlude, Yeson Gallery, Shenzhen
2023 Dust and Light – Youth Cross-Media Exchange Art Exhibition, Zhi Art Museum, Shenzhen
2023 10th "Art Shenzhen" Art Fair, Shenzhen
2021 2nd National College Student Art Exhibition, China Art Museum, Beijing
2021 Multidimensional Progress – Contemporary Oil Painting Exploration in Guangdong Nomination, Zhuhai Art Museum, Zhuhai
2021 3rd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area School Art Exhibition 2021 5th Guangdong Provincial College Art Works Academy Award Biennale, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts University Town Art Museum, Guangzhou
2021 7th Guangdong Contemporary Oil Painting Art Exhibition, Li Tiefu Art Museum, Jiangmen
2021 6th China Oil Painting Newcomers Exhibition, China Oil Painting Institute, Beijing
2016 A Journey of a Thousand Miles – 7th Annual and 2016 Graduates' Outstanding Works Exhibition of China’s Key Art Institutions, Tsinghua University Art Museum, Beijing
CONTENT CREATIVE: EST8 MAG