An upcoming artist talk will spotlight centuries-old Chinese painting traditions. Wang blends calligraphy, poetry and visual art in his Literati-inspired pieces.
An exhibition rooted in centuries-old tradition continues this month in Urbana, with an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the artist behind the work.
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A display of Dr. Ian Wang's many pieces installed at his latest gallery show.
“For me, all my artwork, regardless if it is painting, drawing, sculpture or photography…... whatever the medium or technique might be, is the language and expression of my personal and ideological views about the world surrounding us," he said. "In creating art, I try to share with people what I see as beautiful or as ugly." He added, "In other words, what is right and what is wrong. In a hope we appreciate the beautiful, so to promote the right and denounce the ugly, therefore to avoid the wrong." Beyond his studio work, Wang has maintained a long record of arts leadership and scholarship. He has served on the board of directors for the Spurlock Museum since 1998, including a term as president of its board of trustees from 2006 to 2008. He has also been affiliated with the American Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and previously served as an art curator for the Asian American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois.
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Champaign artist Dr. Ian Wang poses with his displayed work from the show at the Common Ground Art Gallery.
A two-time recipient of the Champaign County Arts Council’s ACE Award, Wang has written art criticism for local, national and international publications and authored three art books. He currently serves on the boards of both the Spurlock Museum and the Champaign County History Museum. Monday’s gallery talk offers visitors a chance to explore not only the history of Literati painting, but also the personal philosophy that shapes Wang’s interpretation of the form.
