Cecilia Chiang: Don’t Tell Me What To Do

Born in 1934, Cecilia Chu Chiang is a self-taught artist who operates beyond the confines of the traditional artistic canon, expressing her spontaneity and creativity across a broad spectrum of media, including Chinese ink watercolors, oils, acrylics, ceramics, printmaking, textiles, and collage. Possessing a whimsical and fluid artistic style, she celebrates color throughout. Her multi-disciplinary artwork is free from any constraints, open and brimming with personality, much like the artist herself.

“Inspiration appears unintentionally and fleetingly, so it must be seized in an instant,” says Chiang. “It is never within a fixed framework. I have no fixed mentors or restricted themes in my paintings. Flowers, insects, birds, fish, beasts, people, cartoons—anything can be my subject. My interests are broad and varied, not seeking beauty but rather the joy and beauty in life!”

The artist’s practice spans an impressive forty years, during which she has maintained a near-daily painting practice and art creation. In this exhibition, there is an abundance of art making and an abundance of joy.

About the Artist

Cecilia Chu Chiang was born in Beijing, China in 1934. In 1947, at the age of twelve, she and her family of eight and five extended family members left mainland China and relocated to Taiwan. While residing in Taiwan for thirty-five years, she married the painter and calligrapher I-han Chiang (1925–2018). In 1971, she migrated to the United States. In 1984, at age 50, her artistic journey took a turn when her late husband encouraged her to create a piece for their family art exhibitions. Chiang has continued to produce nearly daily art pieces since that time. Cecilia Chiang: Don’t Tell Me What To Do surveys four decades of the artist’s practice across media.