Between Traditional Materials and the Digital World – Interpreting Rubin Jiang’s Exploration
Rubin Jiang was born in China and completed her Master’s studies at the University of the Arts London. She creates her art by engaging with contemporary social issues, reflecting a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. With a multidisciplinary background, Rubin explores diverse creative practices, from traditional art forms to innovative technologies. Her work encompasses traditional and digital painting, sculpture, photography, installation, augmented reality, etc.
Rubin began using digital tools for her artistic creations in middle school. She became captivated by the limitless possibilities of virtual worlds, drawn to visual effects that were unattainable through traditional methods. However, after years of practice, she realised that the rich textures and intricate details found in traditional painting were challenging to replicate digitally. This realisation led Rubin to explore the potential of merging traditional and modern techniques, aiming to create work that showcases impressive details and endless variations.
Rubin’s solo exhibition, Dimension, at Blank Space in Shenzhen demonstrated her commitment to advocating for minority voices. She offers a unique perspective on cultural conflicts as an artist with both Eastern and Western influences. Her visual works transcend language and cultural barriers, demonstrating her remarkable talent for crafting impactful visuals and capturing significant moments from intricate details.
During her studies in the UK, she felt a solid imperative to advocate for sustainability and social justice through her artistic expression. One of the pivotal works in her current painting style is Break, through, inspired by a grafted cherry tree. This piece encapsulates both environmental concerns and social dynamics. It has been shown in the Rewilding Exhibition at the Inverness Botanical Gardens with Nature Galleries, the London Design Festival, and the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) with Artio Gallery. From an ecological perspective, it illustrates the intricate relationship between nature and human impact, whilst socially, it portrays human cultural exchange and conflict.
Rubin believes the artist and the audience play a vital role in creating art. As a result, she enjoys developing artwork that invites a range of interpretations. The implications of her work can elicit diverse perspectives from different audiences. Through her interactions with the audience, she experiences a spark of imagination.
One of her recent series, Unknown Flame, draws inspiration from the goddesses in Chinese Mythology and was shown in MEAM with Artio Gallery. This series highlights the stories of these goddesses, which were often altered by patriarchal narratives over time.
Rubin aimed to restore their original vibrancy and power through her work. In her work, there are evocations of figures like Nüwa, Ximu and Hengwo, dancing amid the flames, flickering on candles during ancient nights. The silhouettes and textures are reminiscent of Chinese ink painting. In contrast, Western materials such as watercolour enhance the textures, coupled with digital techniques that bring forth vibrant colours. Rubin embraces a fusion of mixed mediums, traversing reality and virtuality, creating a distinctive artistic style that bridges the material world and the imagination.
Rubin’s artistic philosophy centres around the role of an observer. She attentively examines all aspects of her life, from nature to societal dynamics and her beliefs to contrasting perspectives. Her discerning viewpoint empowers her art to bridge emotional divides in her audience. She employs a universal language to convey profound emotions and reveal unspoken narratives through her work.
Follow: @rubin_jiang
