Dreams about other worlds in the paintings of Sheany Jeung
Written by Darriel Patrick
27.10.2023
Sheany Jeung. Untitled
Oil on canvas, 71’’ x 94’’ (180 cm x 238.8 cm), 2023
Dreams of Endless Heavens, a personal exhibition by renowned Russian painter Sheany Jeung, will be on display at the Atticus Arts Gallery from 26 October to 24 November. Most of the artworks showcased in this exhibition were created exclusively for this project. Jeung’s abstractions serve as a study of dreamlike and psychedelic images, unfolding philosophical ideas through her exploration.
The Dreams of Endless Heavens paintings are notable for their experimental use of luminescent paints, innovative fluid colour combinations, and the sensual dynamics of their imagery. These experiments do not conflict with Jeung’s distinct artistic language but instead transform it in a new, qualitative way. Jeung continues to explore irrational biomorphic forms with technical precision and a profound sensitivity to colour. As an exquisite colourist, she employs colour as a powerful tool to recreate images that exist on the border between hallucination and reality.
Jeung’s artworks embody a refined visual elegance; they are wild and dynamic yet meticulously precise. On first glance, they may seem abstract and nonsensical, but upon closer inspection, they reveal layers of poetic meaning. Jeung is a consistent and highly original abstractionist whose visual language continues to evolve in fascinating ways. Her new paintings are brighter and express a fresh energy. These works feature translucent voids, vibrant colours, and her signature inexplicable and recognisable expression.
The exhibition title, Dreams of Endless Heavens, reflects Jeung’s deep passion for travel, her study of various cultures and mythologies, and her engagement with mental and spiritual exploration. One of the most intriguing aspects of Jeung’s abstractions is their openness to interpretation. While the artist proposes certain associations within her works, viewers are invited to bring their own perspectives and meanings, making the experience deeply personal and transformative.
This exhibition is a must-see for those who appreciate the dynamic interplay of abstraction, colour, and philosophical exploration.
Sheany Jeung. Untitled
Oil on canvas, 64’’ x 101’’ (162.6 cm x 256.5 cm), 2023
Sheany Jeung is a young artist who is steadily advancing the tradition of abstract expressionism. Her engagement with this tradition reflects the characteristics of contemporary culture, which has transformed Nietzsche’s concept of the “eternal return” into a celebration of cultural pluralism. Jeung revisits the roots of abstract expressionism through descriptive language rather than by replicating historical material. Her work draws inspiration from the sources that fuelled movements like the New York School, rather than mimicking the styles of artists such as Arshile Gorky or Willem de Kooning.
In her art, Jeung navigates the space between abstraction and recognisable imagery, leaving behind what can be described as “biomorphic imprints,” as well as peculiar masks and faces. Her creations are guided by the principle of pure psychic automatism, a concept first articulated by André Breton. Jeung’s distinct style incorporates an interplay of endless twisting lines and painterly spots. In her work Native Unknown, she ventures into the unconscious, juxtaposing fine graphic strokes with broad, viscous gestures. This combination results in striking contrasts and an intricate harmony of colours, offering viewers an unexpected visual experience.
However, Jeung’s art is not driven by fantasy or whimsy, nor does it follow a figurative or narrative path. It is neither fanciful nor literal. Instead, her practice is experimental and research-oriented, focusing on the interplay of pictorial and graphic elements. Jeung’s work captures the fluctuations of certain life-like impulses, translating them into visual form through a deeply physical creative process. Her art embodies a visceral connection between the artist and her medium: she grasps the pen or brush with her entire body, anchoring it to the surface with intentional movements that reflect her unique creative journey.
Through her evolving practice, Sheany Jeung redefines abstract expressionism for a contemporary audience, blending experimentation with a profound connection to the deeper impulses of human experience.
Sheany Jeung. Untitled
Oil on canvas, 93’’ x 70’’ (236 cm x 178 cm), 2023
Sheany Jeung’s works stand apart. Referring to her art merely as “painting” feels limiting, as it fails to encompass the depth and breadth of her creative expression. Her practice could be better described as a unique form of “calligraphy” or “embroidery” with paint on canvas. For Jeung, painting is not just a medium but a dynamic tool that she uses to create, innovate, and explore the world around her.
Jeung transforms the realm of art into a boundless field for self-expression, where possibilities are endless, and creative freedom reigns supreme. She maintains a profound honesty, both with her audience and herself, as she produces works that are energetically charged, intellectually profound, and remarkably clear in their intention. Jeung’s art invites viewers into a space where innovation meets authenticity, redefining the essence of painting as a tool for understanding and reimagining the world.
Darriel Patrick. Before becoming Contributor at Centre for Arts, Research and Culture, Darriel worked as the Malooi's Digital Programmes. He was previously a curatorial fellow at the BALZ Gallery and has over 9 years of experience working in the museum sector delivering, commissioning and curating projects.
