Shi Zhiying
October 7, 2017 – February 25, 2018
Influenced by Buddhism, Shi Zhiying has become well known in her native China for stark monochromatic paintings of uniform vistas—open water, Zen sand gardens, rocky landscapes.
In recent years, Shi has expanded her practice to include large-scale paintings of decorative and religious relief carvings, such as OCMA’s work by Shi, Rock Carving of Thousand Buddhas, acquired in 2015. This significant work pays tribute to the artist’s dedication to Buddhism and was part of a large body of work inspired by trips to western China, Cambodia, and India in 2013-14.
From paintings of Buddhas and drawings inspired by her travels around China to reflections on the delicate, almost ghostly, quality of rocks and crystals, Shi’s work is commanding in size and statement and yet intimate and peaceful. She has fashioned an experience where the natural meets the spiritual and where the viewer’s concentration is almost demanded.
This exhibition was organized by the Orange County Museum of Art and curated by Todd D. Smith.