Description
‘Nature and Beings’ by Zhiwen (Esther) Tang
Artist: Zhiwen (Esther) Tang
Title: ‘Nature and Beings’
Medium: Digital painting giclee print on Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper (Limited edition of 1)
Dimensions: 36″ x 36″
Framing: Unframed
Year of Creation: 2024
About the Artist:
(Artist Bio)
Zhiwen (Esther) Tang is an illustrator and designer based in New York City. Throughout her career, she has honed her skills in creating narrative and informative illustrations across various domains, including editorial work, design projects, and pattern creation. Her approach involves seamlessly blending traditional drawing techniques with modern computer-aided methods to craft her pieces. She particularly enjoys incorporating the textural nuances of watercolor and ink drawings into the digital medium. Esther is passionate about infusing her illustrations with the power to connect and communicate effectively. Notably, her work has been showcased in various exhibitions such as the 64th Society of Illustrators Annual, the 63rd and 64th Communication Arts exhibitions, the 101st ADC Annual, and the World Illustration Award.
Since childhood, Esther has enjoyed her daily experiences and emotions through drawing and painting. She has been drawing since she can remember, and her artworks are closely connected with her emotions. Sounds, smiles, touch, and the environment she is in influence her illustrations in many aspects, as she realized that drawing is a means for her to connect with the world.
Moving from Shenzhen to New York City, city life has been a significant source of inspiration for Esther’s artistic creations. The urban environment, with its architecture, transportation systems, cultural diversity, and social dynamics, has frequently impacted her creative thinking. She has utilized this influence to create various art pieces that reflect the vibrancy and complexity of city life. There are also significant challenges that residents face, including social pressures that can lead to mental health issues. People
enjoy the benefits brought by modernization but at the same time live chaotically in the contradictions of urban society. These physical and mental experiences turn into modern elements, colorful flowing brushes, and the rich scenes in her illustrations. Many of her artworks depict the cultural and social life she has experienced and wanted to voice upon, and modern life continues to be the theme from which she draws inspiration.
In Esther’s opinion, art is about individual spirit, ideas, and emotional value in addition to its aesthetic appeal. As an illustrator, she believes that her value resides in expressing her opinions and presenting issues through her work, inspiring her audience, and igniting discussions. The significance of artistic creativity lies not only in its power to produce beautiful objects but also in its capacity to raise questions, stimulate thought, and solve problems. As an artist, she wishes to continue to inspire her audience and contribute to a greater dialogue about the importance of art in contemporary culture.