Shen Jingdong, Artist of the Year

This year, a total of 16 artists were selected as “Artist of the Year” by KuArt. They have profound insights into the times, break boundaries with creative work, constantly refresh people’s inherent cognition of things, and constantly update themselves. It can be said that in this ever-changing era, they are the artists who can best interpret the meaning and value of art.

One of the 16 artists is Shen Jingdong.

2021 was a busy year for Shen Jingdong. During the year, he had four solo exhibitions, more than 30 group exhibitions, and created a series from his latest works. He had done so much that he dubbed himself as a “model worker”. During the times of the pandemic and market depression, it is not easy to create more works and hold exhibitions. Over the years, Shen Jingdong’s works have also been quietly changing. His painting themes have been continuously broadened, from the well-known “Soldiers” series to the recent “Little Prince”, “Hundred Family Surnames” and other themes. But as long as it begins with his hands, the artworks become a painting language with Shen Jingdong’s characteristics. The lighthearted and humorous taste unique to his works has also won him a large number of fans. Shen Jingdong does not pretend to be profound, nor does he package his works with obscure theories. In his opinion, as long as he paints happily and the audience looks at them with interest, it is enough. This does not mean superficial, it is because Shen Jingdong considers himself a pessimist in essence, that in contrary, he chooses to express happiness.

Below is an interview with Shen Jingdong for more insights

“I watch a lot of interesting videos on Douyin, and they are not necessarily worse than contemporary art, in fact, they are living in contemporary art.”

— Shen Jingdong

Kinetic sculpture of the “International Joke” series, 2021

Ku Art: In 2021, you have held four solo exhibitions and more than 30 group exhibitions. Why were you so busy during the pandemic?

Shen Jingdong: It’s not intentional, my exhibitions are basically invitations from others. During the pandemic, the exhibitions are also simple — just sending the paintings will do. Moreover, there was no need to attend the opening ceremony. Maybe I didn’t care too much at the time, but looking back, I have participated in so many exhibitions in that year, even more than before.

Ku Art: You have participated in a variety of exhibitions, such as public, children, cultural tourism, communication, expositions, and so on. Do you like the variety of art displays and communication methods?

Shen Jingdong: I usually don’t pick exhibitions. I’m basically happy to participate if someone invites me, but I take every exhibition seriously, even if it’s a small one. Contemporary art itself is very small, and many exhibitions are for self-entertainment. Going out and participating in more activities can let others see your work and let everyone know about your work, which is important.

Ku Art: You have participated in many cross-border activities, allowing your art to enter the public and social space. Is this also part of your artistic concept?

Shen Jingdong: Contemporary art cannot be exhibited only in art museums. In foreign countries, many good artists come from the streets. They may start to show their works in any space. As long as the works are good and valuable, they will always be recognized in the end. In this modern-day era, talented people can come forth and will not be buried or ignored. I watch a lot of interesting videos on Douyin, and they are not necessarily worse than contemporary art, in fact, they are living in contemporary art.

Ku Art: In 2021, you also participated in some exhibitions abroad. How do foreign audiences comment on your works?

Shen Jingdong: Everyone has their own opinions. Some people will also misinterpret it, but many foreign audiences know China very well, and they should not be underestimated. When they understand your background and come to see your work, they will understand a lot of things (Chinese culture).

Exhibition site of Hong Kong gallery printmaking exhibition

“From the point of view of painting, I always feel that it is quite difficult. Every step I want to make a breakthrough is also a challenge for me.”

— Shen Jingdong

“Hundred Family Names” series, 2020–2021

Ku Art: In 2021, you published “Chinese Contemporary Art Literature Collection — Shen Jingdong”. Does this book systematically sort out your contemporary art practice?

Shen Jingdong: Yes, in 2017, I held a solo exhibition at the Songzhuang Contemporary Art Archives, to sort out my paintings from the beginning to the present. This helped me look at the path of my painting development much clearer. At that time, a booklet was published, and last year, the catalogue of works and the chronology of major events were rearranged, and this collection of documents was published.

Ku Art: From “Soldiers” to “The Little Prince”, your works have become more and more “childlike”, and your materials have become more and more extensive and random. Is this a sign of freedom in your artistic creation?

Shen Jingdong: I hope so, I hope I can be more relaxed. But in each stage, I am still thinking about how to create next. When it comes to painting, I always feel that it is still rather difficult. Every step I take, I want to make a breakthrough, it is like a challenge for me. There are more and more “childlike innocence”, which may be related to my own worldview and understanding of life.

Ku Art: Remember when you said you wanted to be “the contemporary art of Qi Baishi”, what did you mean by that?

Shen Jingdong: (Laughs) Qi Baishi’s paintings are all fish, shrimps, flowers and plants, and they all look like normal civilians. These things, which were originally unremarkable, were very interesting after he painted them like so. Chinese painters who can achieve greatness and elegance would recommend Qi Baishi. I hope that I can draw more and more simply and relax more and more so that everyone can understand it at a glance, and that it is very pleasant to look at, that’s all.

Ku Art: As a military artist, there are very few people who have crossed over to the field of contemporary art like you have. Why does your military artist career hardly leave a mark on your art?

Shen Jingdong: I was specially recruited to join the army after graduating from college. At that time, the higher education I received and the worldview I had were fully formed. When I was in the army, I always felt a little detached. I felt that for an ordinary person to wear a military uniform, I suddenly became a hero with a sense of character which made me feel a little sceptical about my identity. Later, the reason why I painted the “Soldiers” series was because this was something that I found had more meaning. After that, I slowly got rid of these things.

Exhibition site of Beijing Tomorrow art museum

“I hope that I am happy to draw and others are happy to see it.”

— Shen Jingdong

Ku Art: In 2021, there will be a seminar titled “IP of Art Works — Viral Communication of Shen Jingdong’s Art” at the Shu Art Museum. Why is it called “Viral Communication”?

Shen Jingdong: This is also the topic of the Shu Art Museum. I think this topic is very interesting. “Viralisation”, like the pandemic, has a life of its own. After the work is completed, its vitality is beyond the creator’s control. Some works are gradually forgotten, while others can continue to take root and grow into new possibilities.

“Artists mainly create works, and may have some good ideas and ideas, but if they really want to market and form their own business model, that is another professional link. partner involvement.”

— Shen Jingdong

Ku Art: Are you worried that your works are too commercialised and fashionable, which will reduce the academic value?

Shen Jingdong: First of all, I paint every painting I want to paint, not to cater to some people. What I express in my work is always my own thoughts, which is crucial, I always hold that nothing else matters.

I didn’t make myself so profound that I had to let others understand. I think art is just a way of presenting a person, you can pretend to be deep, but you can also simply talk about some problems. The world is already very heavy and complicated. I still want to convey something light and pleasant. I hope that I will have a good time drawing and others will be very happy to see it.

Ku Art: From your circle of friends, people can feel your attitude towards reality, but your work is a lovely “fairy tale kingdom”, which makes people perceive that perhaps this kind of “fairy tale” and “cuteness” may just be an appearance?

Shen: It can also be understood in this way. Because the “fairy tale world” looks at the world from the perspective of children, and is unwilling to see the cruel side of the world. Life is inherently painful, but I don’t have to reveal the pain. I can also show joy, but the pain is always there. Every artist’s choice is different. Life is short, art can let you leave something in a short lifetime and convey your view of the world.

Jiaxing Ogihara Art Museum “Best Character” solo exhibition site

“Continue to create new works, work hard, and let the rest take its course.”

— Shen Jingdong

Ku Art: Looking at the past of 2021 and the upcoming 2022, how do you reflect and look forward?

Shen Jingdong: There are a lot of exhibitions in 2021. I just want to be busy, so when I look back, I will feel that this year has not been in vain, and I have done a lot of things. This is completely for my comfort. If you waste time in vain, you will panic and feel that you have not done anything. For 2022, I don’t have any special plans. I will continue to create new works, work hard, and let the rest take its course.

Beijing 798 Beijing Metro Art Commemorative Ticket First Release Ceremony Exhibition Site

Ku Art: The current economic situation is not good, and many young artists are still insisting on creating while surviving. As a “Beijing drifter” back then, what advice do you have for today’s young people?

Shen: It’s all about perseverance. It was about being persistent before, and it is still about being persistent now. How the work sells is not the most important thing to a real artist. Since you love this line of business, you can do other things even if you don't sell well, but you still have to stick to it.

Shen Jingdong, Artist of the Year

Venice, I was here