Retrospectives of Tseng Kwong Chi and Ching Ho Cheng Highlight 1980s Chinese Expatriate Artists in New York
In 2015, New York hosted two exhibitions highlighting the works of Chinese expatriate artists Tseng Kwong Chi and Ching Ho Cheng. From April 21 to July 11, Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera was displayed at NYU's Grey Art Gallery, while Ching Ho Cheng: The Five Elements ran from April 7 to May 9 at Shepherd Gallery. Both artists tragically passed away young during the AIDS epidemic—Tseng in 1990 and Cheng in 1989. Tseng is celebrated for his early selfies in a Mao suit, featuring pieces like New York, New York (Brooklyn Bridge) and Hollywood Hills, California. Cheng is recognized for his vibrant paintings and collages, such as Queenie Study and a 1988 untitled work. Their sisters actively promote their artistic legacies, focusing on their contributions rather than their untimely deaths.
Key facts
- Tseng Kwong Chi died of AIDS in 1990.
- Ching Ho Cheng died during the AIDS crisis in 1989.
- Tseng Kwong Chi's exhibition ran from April 21 to July 11, 2015.
- Ching Ho Cheng's exhibition ran from April 7 to May 9, 2015.
- Tseng Kwong Chi is considered an early prominent user of the selfie in American photography.
- Both artists were part of a 1980s New York group of Chinese expatriate artists that included Ming Fay and Mary Ting.
- Tseng Kwong Chi was a close friend of graffiti artist Keith Haring.
- The artists' sisters, Muna Tseng and Sybao Cheng-Wilson, promote their work.
Entities
Artists
- Tseng Kwong Chi
- Ching Ho Cheng
- Ming Fay
- Mary Ting
- Keith Haring
- Muna Tseng
- Sybao Cheng-Wilson
Institutions
- Grey Art Gallery
- New York University
- Shepherd Gallery
- artcritical
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Washington Square East
- University Place
- East 79th Street
- Madison Avenue
- Park Avenue
- Upper East Side
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Hollywood Hills
- California