Xiao Jiang's Solo Exhibition 'By the Window' at Karma Gallery Blends Chinese and Western Traditions

From April 11 to May 23, 2025, Karma Gallery in Los Angeles hosted 'By the Window,' an exhibition featuring 19 new oil paintings by Xiao Jiang. This collection delves into themes of nature, nostalgia, and the tension between urban and rural life, blending traditional Chinese landscape artistry with Western influences. A notable triptych, Mountain after Mountain (2024), captures the peaks of Jinggangshan, reminiscent of Caspar David Friedrich's work. Smaller pieces incorporate the Rückenfigur motif, portraying figures in suburban Shanghai. Works such as Departure (2024) and Return (2025) illustrate hikers in radiant landscapes, echoing Jean-François Millet. Domestic scenes like A Breakfast and Silhouette by the Flowers (both 2024) feature Xiao's wife, reflecting Edward Hopper's motifs of solitude. Two Friends (2024) highlights compositional prowess, drawing inspiration from Joan Mitchell and Cy Twombly.