JINGGE DONG
ENRAPTURED

KÖNIG TELEGRAPHENAMT
3 JULY– 3 AUGUST 2024

OPENING
2 JULY 2024 | 6 – 8 PM

KÖNIG TELEGRAPHEMAMT is pleased to present, ENRAPTURED, a solo exhibition by Jingge Dong. The exhibition is not only an in-depth analysis of the individual's inner world but also a dialogue about the delicate balance between the human condition, faith, and science. Through these paintings, viewers are invited into a space that is both empty and yet essential, exploring how human insignificance and spiritual solace find their place in our reality.

The works presented in ENRAPTURED, such as the canvases DOUBLE HEAVENS, 2023–24 and JADE KYLIN, 2023, as well as the ceramic sculpture 60 TON ANGEL FALLS TO THE EARTH, 2024, explore the interplay of Eastern and Western cultures, merging Chinese symbols with Western techniques. Jingge Dong’s artistic practice delves into the complexities of cultural identity, reflecting his journey of assimilation and personal exploration. Dong’s works invite viewers to contemplate their own sense of self within an interconnected world: His works intentionally unify the visual elements of East and West, provoking reflections and dialogues about the self and cultural belonging. 

Jingge Dong was born in Beijing and currently lives in Venice. He spent many years learning Western painting techniques in China. Later on, as he studied and lived in Italy, he was surrounded by a Western artistic and cultural atmosphere. In the stark contrast of cultures, Dong has increasingly perceived the subtle yet profound influences of his own Chinese heritage, gaining a deeper understanding and renewed appreciation for his cultural roots. These experiences have shaped his artistic vision and fueled his desire to explore the complexities of cultural identity. Thus, his artistic practice reflects this ongoing inquiry into the nature of cultural identity within our ever-changing world. How do we define ourselves and our sense of belonging in a world where traditional boundaries are being continually redefined? How do we navigate the complex interplay between the cultural influences that shape us, both consciously and unconsciously? These are the questions that lie at the heart of Jingge Dong’s work. 

In the artist’s own words: “I strive to challenge the notions of cultural identity and encourage a dialogue that transcends the boundaries of geography, time, and tradition. Drawing from my diverse experiences and insights, I intend for my works to serve as a bridge between  the East and the West, the traditional and the contemporary, and the individual and the collective.”