Color Fields

The National

Chris Cox Zifeng Zang

Exhibition View

Color Fields features the vibrant and colorful work of painters Chris Cox and Zifeng Zang.

Chris Cox explores the interconnectedness of our lives through intuitive mark-making and a cosmic perspective. The tactility in Cox’s paintings invites viewers to meditate on their depths.

Zifeng Zang’s dynamic compositions celebrate movement and color, capturing the unpredictable nature of pigments. Drawing inspiration from nature and everyday moments, Zang’s vibrant works invite contemplation of spirituality and imagination. Through Color Fields, viewers are immersed in the lively energy and bright movements that define Cox and Zang’s work.

Zifeng Zang

Echo and Space, 2022

Mix Media on Canvas

46 x 40 x 2”

$3000

Zifeng Zang is an abstract painter based in Philadelphia, PA. She received a dual BFA degree from Jilian University in China and West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Her extensive career experience includes serving as a senior graphic designer and brand manager at 4A Advertising Agencies and tech giants in China, where she honed her skills in creating imagery characters and advertisement scripts using digital tools. Despite this, she always felt drawn to the traditional art of painting. This led her to pursue further education in the field and to study painting in the US, where she is now focused on developing her favorite abstract style, infused with her personal experiences and unique perspective.

Chris Cox

Chris Cox is a Philadelphia-area abstract artist. She has had work featured in the Woodmere Art Museum, the Cosmopolitan Club of Philadelphia Virtual Exhibition, the Warne Art Center, Bluestone Fine Art Gallery, and more. She has been a member of Tri-State Artist

Equity and a Professional Artist Member at Main Line Art Center. Chris’ paintings are in private collections in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Florida, Michigan, Washington, Rhode Island and Alaska. Her Masters and Bachelor degrees are from Penn State University.paintings are in private collections in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Florida, Michigan, Washington, Rhode Island and Alaska. Her Masters and Bachelor degrees are from Penn State University.

Chris Cox

2023

Artist Statement

Zifeng Zang

“My paintings are dynamic expressions of movement and color, with random interactive color relationships and vibrant hues taking center stage. I strive to capture pigments’ unpredictable and fluid nature as they interact and blend, resulting in a sense of energy and liveliness. I’ve been exploring the pouring and layering of dry media techniques to enhance the tactile quality of my work. My inspiration comes from various sources, including nature, music, and everyday experiences. I’m drawn to the subtle moments around me, like the sun’s warmth on my skin or the ripple of water at a river’s edge. These experiences inform my work, reflecting my emotions and feelings.

I aim to create an image space inviting viewers to contemplate spirituality and imagination. Combining abstract elements and textural surfaces adds to the sensory experience, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in the natural world and feel the spectacular sense of vastness that exists between people and space. My paintings express the connection between people and the natural world, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.”

Artist Statement Chris Cox

“We are all connected in some way – through networks of friends and family, electronic networks, connections to nature and the universe, business connections, as well as millions of connections throughout the human mind and body. My current body of work explores those connections – be it in the macrocosm or the microcosm. My mark making is intuitive and filled with energy and action. The palette used reflects our diversity in life – warm and cold, bright and bold, tranquil and muted, monochromatic and full of color. I feel there is an energy that emerges from the movement in this work. I think of it somewhat as a cosmic flow.

After applying layers and layers of paint, I have carved into the painting with wood carving knives and other tools to achieve the final image. Each painting has its own unique characteristics depending on the dryness of the paint when carved into, the heaviness or lightness of the carving, the number of different colors applied, and the tools used.”