Ching Ho Cheng's Multifaceted Legacy Explored Through 2024 Exhibitions and Artistic Evolution
Ching Ho Cheng, who was born in Havana in 1946, moved to Kew Gardens, Queens, New York in 1951. He began his studies at Cooper Union in 1964 and resided in New York City's East Village and SoHo throughout the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by major social movements. His fascination with Taoism and hallucinogenic substances shaped his psychedelic gouache artworks, which are divided into four distinct phases: psychedelic, gouache, torn, and alchemical. In 2024, Cheng took part in two group exhibitions in New York City: "The Appearance" at the Americas Society and "Legacies" at 80WSE. His 1968 piece Angelhead showcases biomorphic forms with a dynamic background, while Astral Theater from 1973 reflects Taoist ideas.
Key facts
- Ching Ho Cheng was born in Havana in 1946
- His father Robert Paifong was the last Republic of China ambassador to Cuba before Mao Zedong's Communist Party rose to power
- Cheng immigrated to Kew Gardens, Queens, New York in 1951
- He enrolled at Cooper Union in 1964
- Cheng lived in New York City's East Village and SoHo during the 1960s-1970s
- His artistic practice is described in four phases: psychedelic, gouache, torn, and alchemical
- Cheng was included in two 2024 group exhibitions in New York City
- He experimented with hallucinogenic drugs and had a deep interest in Taoism
Entities
Artists
- Ching Ho Cheng
- Vali Myers
- Tally Brown
- Mao Zedong
Institutions
- Americas Society
- 80WSE
- Cooper Union
- Republic of China
- Chinese Communist Party
Locations
- Havana
- Cuba
- Kew Gardens
- Queens
- New York City
- New York
- East Village
- SoHo
- United States