edited by Jonathan Watkins

This catalogue coincides with the first exhibition in the UK of work by Shanghai-based Chinese artist Ding Yi at Ikon Gallery. Consisting of seventeen works, dated from 1989, it follows the development of his career since he became expressly preoccupied with the repetition of simple cross motifs, ‘x’ and ‘+’ to create vast aesthetic grids. Such physical repetition imbues Ding Yi’s work with a mantra-like, meditative quality. Not surprisingly, the artist cites the Chinese philosophy of Taoism as a source of inspiration, as well as the neon quality of Shanghai at night.

Beautiful and thoughtful, the works are quite unlike any other painting being made today. This publication results from the constructive collaboration between Ikon and Shanghart. Includes an interview with the artist by Hans Ulrich Obrist.