KCR WINTER 24:25 Magazine FINAL 1 - Flipbook - Page 16
Cao Jigang: SKYPATH
Until 31 December 2024
Bluerider ART London · Mayfair
47 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JW
Bluerider ART is thrilled to present the European debut solo exhibition of renowned Chinese artist Cao Jigang, titled Skypath, running until 31
December 2024. Featuring a series of works created over recent years, Skypath showcases numerous large-scale Tempera Shanshui – a practice
that combines traditional Western egg tempera technique with traditional Chinese landscape (Shanshui) to result in the artist’s distinctly elegant
and poetic landscape style. These explorations include the monumental Altitude 4687, a four-metre-wide painting which exquisitely depicts the
snow-covered peaks of the Tibetan Plateau.
The work of Cao Jigang (b. China, 1955) encompasses an artistic journey that spans over four decades. It has evolved through various mediums and
techniques and traversed many di昀昀erent phases. Throughout, his works are characterized by a unique semi-transparency, a warm, porcelain-like
texture reminiscent of jade, achieved through deliberate layering. Expressing the concept of “emptiness” through intentional application, Cao Jigang
has transitioned towards a minimalist style, opening up a space for contemplation on the connection between heaven and humanity. From his tranquil landscapes to the chilling void of works in the Barren Cold series, the artist expresses the idea of transcending earthly con昀椀nes on the ‘skypath’.
His practice is a process of integrating spirit, emotions, and insights into nature, connecting with nature through art and ultimately reaching the
path of unity between individual life and the universe, as expressed in Taoist philosophy: “Harmony between Heaven and Man, Unity of Nature and
Humanity.”
The exhibition Skypath, Cao Jigang’s 昀椀rst solo show in Europe, comprises works created in the last 昀椀ve years. As well as the 4-metre-wide Altitude
4687, bringing awe to viewers as they seemingly stand at the foot of the great mountain, highlights include several large-scale works, including
White U-shape, contrasting its soft curves within its grey-blue background with the warm, jade-like texture of tempera, revealing an elegant poetic
quality. Another stunning work, Barren cold 9 skilfully illustrates the connection between Western tempera and Chinese Shanshui, expanding the
ethereal quality of traditional landscape paintings and truly immersing viewers in the scene.
www.blueriderart.com
Captions:
Cao Jigang, Cool shadows, 2023. Tempera on Wood, 140x192cm
Cao Jigang, Barren cold 9, 2021. Tempera on linen, 160x300cm
Cao Jigang, Altitude 4687, 2022. Tempera on linen, 240x400cm
