An Interview With Jingze – Young Irish Based Artist, Painter, and Photographer

May 4, 2017 – Art, Culture, design, People

As part of our ongoing celebration of young budding talent in Ireland, we had the pleasure of chatting to up and coming Irish based artist and N.C.A.D. student Jingze. Here Jingze gives us a sneak peak into his artistic beginnings – as well as his inspirations, processes,and favourite works.

What is your name, where are you from, and what age are you?

I’m Jingze, 21 years old. Galway, but I spent most of my early years in China.

 

What was it like moving to Ireland?

Crazy amount of rain. Plug socket bothered me for a while too.

 

When did you first begin drawing/painting?

I started learning intensely when I was 5. It was all black and white pencil drawings, very academic and strict. Painting came later when I was 14.

 

What are you currently working on that is exciting you?

Much of my work involves images. My photo libraries are full of cut-outs, screenshots, daily photos, library pages… I treat images a bit like physical materials. Everything is foreign but all slightly relatable. It’s good because I could have less attachment to them. The results can be more fair and less subjective in a way. I guess the most exciting part is the distortion. In this distortion, a lot of interesting things happen.

  

Tell us about your process, where do your ideas stem from?

Everywhere really. It could be a curve I saw on a dress, or maybe a shadow of a tree, and how it falls on a wall. Even the texture of the wall could do something interesting to the shadow. It usually could be up to months before I start with a painting. I carry all the projects in my head everywhere. Everything that I see, touch and experience sort of inform the work in a way. I really want to make something that’s fresh and long lasting.

 

What is your favourite piece of work that you have done and what inspired it?

It’s always my latest one, where my idea of what I want it to be is usually the most mature. Everything that I saw and happened around me around me sort of fed into it. In the most recent ones, I’m really interested in the conflict between the real and virtual of the digital media.

  

Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?

I still can’t say I know exactly what an artist means. I remember I always wanted to be someone great and inspiring. I guess the greatest perk that comes with it though is the knowledge and freedom.

  

What are your thoughts on being a young artist in Ireland today?

In Ireland, it’s a bit difficult to make a living off creating art alone: one who always has to fight for opportunities, ideas, and support.

  

Do you think young artists in Ireland play a crucial role in society?

Yes! From the Yes campaign, to the ongoing Repeal campaign, the young artists were great at getting everyone actively together. The energy was amazing!

 

How do you know when a piece of work is finished?

I don’t really. There always could be something more to be done to a painting. I guess the best way to explain it is to stop before the painting stops talking back.

  

Do you have any upcoming exhibitions?

Our graduate show opens on the 9th June. See you there!