Surrogate Mother Abstract 2024
James Chiew
Oil pastel Mixed mediaEpoxyAluminiumPigmentPlasticMetal
120 ⨯ 120 ⨯ 4 cm
ConditionExcellent
€ 8.500
CJS Gallery
- About the artworkArtist: James Chiew
Title: Surrogate Mother Abstract
Technique: mixed media/ pigments/ epoxy
Size: 120x120cm
Edition: 1/1, unique
“Surrogate Mother Abstract” stands as a captivating testament to the visionary creativity of James Chiew. Within this unique piece, Chiew masterfully blends mixed media, pigments, and epoxy to craft an arresting tableau. At its heart stands a figure, a smoking woman adorned with a distinctive black cap, crowned with a singular star at its forefront.
In this evocative portrayal, the viewer is drawn into a world where the mundane meets the enigmatic. The woman’s posture exudes a sense of quiet strength, her gaze piercing beyond the confines of the canvas. Yet, it is the symbolism within this composition that truly captivates. The black cap, with its emblematic star, serves as a focal point, hinting at layers of meaning waiting to be unraveled.
Perhaps, in Chiew’s creation, the surrogate mother becomes a symbol of resilience, of nurturing strength in the face of adversity. The act of smoking, typically associated with rebellion or contemplation, adds a layer of complexity to her character, inviting interpretations as varied as the hues in Chiew’s mixed media palette.
As the viewer delves deeper into “Surrogate Mother Abstract,” they are invited to explore the interplay of textures, colors, and forms, each element contributing to the rich tapestry of meaning woven by the artist’s hand. Through this masterful fusion of mediums, Chiew invites us to contemplate the essence of womanhood, the complexities of identity, and the enduring power of artistic expression. - About the artist
For artist James Chiew, nothing happens by chance. All his creative expressions stem from his enormous urge for experiment and innovation. In his versatile mixed media works, the originally Singaporean autodidact always pushes the boundaries. This is reflected in his ideas and choice of materials. In an idiosyncratic and original way, James combines (photographic) images and objects with different materials, such as wood, metal, acrylic paint, epoxy and everything else that is possible.
In doing so, he mixes modern graphic techniques with classical methods and analogous materials.
James Chiew: “The digital age offers unprecedented opportunities. I like to experiment, because I'm always looking for new angles. The challenge for me is to try to achieve the impossible. I want to make things more beautiful. That often starts in my immediate environment.Everyday objects at home and in the studio I try to show in a special way. By pimping objects, I make people look at them differently and think about them.” His works of art always have a lot of depth: literally and figuratively you discover several layers in his works.
Photography has only been the basis for James Chiew for a few years and proved to be the start of his new period. The camera and photo material offer him unprecedented perspectives, which immediately resulted in his most recognized work to date: Beatrix 3-D. In 2013, he was invited to the exhibition 'Image of Beatrix' in Paleis Het Loo and Paleis Soestdijk in honor of Beatrix's 75th birthday.
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