Victoria Anon
Central Bureau Chief
On August 29, the gallery opening for “LEFTOVER” by Chao Ding was held at Broward College.
Ding is an artist based in Sacramento, California. From an early age, Ding showed an artistic inclination. His father was an artist so he would oftentimes observe him painting. This early foundation nurtured Ding’s passion for the arts. Ding went on to pursue graphic design and fashion after high school, seeking a more stable path, but later returned to the fine arts and completed his MFA at Louisianna State University. After graduation, he completed a commission for the Burden Rural Life Museum, participated in artist residencies at New York’s Golden Foundation and the Vermont Studio Center, and has had his works displayed in Elliot Fouts Gallery. It is an honor for Broward College to host the works of such an accomplished artist.
Such success, however, does not come overnight. Although some may associate success with a eureka moment, or sudden inspiration, Ding asserts that his breakthrough came from “persistence rather than a momentary whim.”
One challenge that Ding faced in his artistic journey which he described during the Q&A portion of the artist lecture was adjusting to taste differences between art in China and art in the U.S. China emphasizes technique and mastery, while the U.S. shifts towards a more holistic view- emphasizing composition, visual structure, and the greater context of the piece. By studying these polarizing approaches, Ding establishes himself as an artist capable of synthesizing divergent influences into a distinctive and cohesive style.
Ding enjoys thrifting and collecting vintage photos and antiques in his spare time. He draws inspiration from these objects, incorporating some vintage motifs and muted colors and tones in his work.
In “LEFTOVER,” Ding finds beauty in lost or discarded objects and deserted spaces to evoke a sentimental feeling within his works. While some may be perplexed by his unconventional subject matter, everyone has felt lost at some point or another, making this collection especially relatable. Ding states, “My goal is to draw the viewers into the depth of my perception.” While observing Ding’s pieces, I found that his art has a haunting, yet familiar and comforting quality to it which makes it one of a kind.
Ding advises aspiring artists to “invite the viewers to find their own way to explore your artworks.” Leaving your work up to the interpretation of the viewer allows them to draw unique conclusions and observations of their own. He also notes the importance of practicing drawing from life. Although it may be easier to paint from a photograph, painting from life allows one to “immerse yourself in that reality” and “capture a fleeting moment.”
The gallery opening for “LEFTOVER” was an excellent experience and I highly recommend visiting the exhibit.
It will continue to be available at the Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery in Building 6, Central Campus until Sept. 21 The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Admission is free.
anonv@mail.broward.edu
