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Zhong Chen: Small Paintings Zhong Chen's small paintings initially developed from the large pixel paintings he has been exploring over the past years. In preparation for the large pixel paintings, Chen starts with a small sketch and small painting. Chen has further explored the traditional subject matter of his small paintings and has engaged in everyday and modern subjects. He has taken his small paintings further in exploring everyday portraits with portraits of images of traditional Chinese ladies. The paintings engage in contemporary themes and in the old themes of Chinese culture. The blend of the old and new is reflected in these series of small paintings. The immediacy and freshness of these small paintings is evident. The landscapes are influenced by Chen's time spent painting on the outskirts of Shanghai in Suzhou. Chen's paintings explore the contemporary culture and the transcultural identity of being a Chinese born Australian artist. In the search of exploring his own transcultural identity, he identifies a hybrid culture that is reflected in the portraits.
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