By Anna King

The famous art critic, John Ruskin, once suggested that Turners paintings ‘stirringly and truthfully measure the moods of Nature’ (ref 2).  With this in mind, I am delighted to introduce you to the work of Professor Chaosheng Zhang.

While it is problematic to compare fine art painting to photography, I cannot resist being drawn to Chaosheng’s work because some of his collections remind me of William Turners paintings (1775-1851). While Chaosheng’s photography showcases different contexts and style, there are similarities: tone, palette, light and suggested silhouettes of life within space - and, on occasion - a sense of sombre grace. 

I find myself musing if Turner would have chosen to paint Chaosheng’s simple, yet evocative scene of The Fisherman’s Hut - one of my favourite photos. In this storied landscape, the interplay between darkness and light alludes to a time that has passed, and yet - just at the point where the pathway draws us into the scene there is a sense of moments yet to unfold.

I wonder what it may be like to fish in this cold and barren place?

Silver Strand

As his career progressed, Turner became less interested in the objects and details in his scenes.  His focus of attention was light, the radiance of natures power and the poetic, sublime qualities that unfold, even in the most ordinary life-moments.

Turner was concerned with bringing us into the scene.  Allowing us to sense and intuit the movement and feeling of the setting that absorbed his attention. 

I feel it is fair to say that this Silver Strand Series, by Professor Zhang - evokes a similar experience.

Turner wasn’t concerned with describing, or providing explanation. Instead, he became fully immersed in the wild, unyielding and sometimes terrifying magnificence of natures brilliance. This became his inspiration. He set out to capture these lived-experiences on canvas - to make permanent something that is fluid, changing and by nature impermanent.

Mist and Light

Ruskin declared that Turner’s Snow Storm: Steam Boat off a Harbours Mouth (1842 Oil on Canvas), was ‘one of the very grandest statements of sea-motion, mist and light, that has ever been put onto canvas’ (ref 3). 

While Chaosheng does not have the turbulence of Turner, mist and light dominate this collection. They are qualities that make for a stunning painting, and an evocative photograph. Similar to Turner, who followed the science of weather, Professor Zhang believes that the secret to a good photograph is having some knowledge of geography (Galway Advertiser.  October 20th. 2020: ref 1).  While this assertion informs us about his technique, we gain more insight about Chaosheng’s art when we softly gaze upon the scenes that he creates.

There is an elegance to Chensheng’s relationship with nature.  A palpable sense of him being part of the environment within which he ventures. His attention to geographic contours, lines and patterned land sequences is brought alive with tone, colour and an unspoken magic that lingers. All of his photographs suggest a story. The sense of space and often minimalistic feel allows our imagination to sweep the frontiers of our own experience, and thus interpret each scene personally.

I have curated this small selection of photographs (more below) to highlight Professor Zhang’s deep appreciation of light, as well as provide an opportunity to consider how his work captures the essence of a passing moment. There is a stillness in the vastness of his seascapes that invite us to take shelter and find peace within the changing shades of dawn, dusk, mist and land. I hope that you enjoy this collection as much as I do…

Take care, Anna xxx

Originally from China, Professor Chaosheng Zhang has lived in Galway with his family for over 20 years.  He is Director of the International Network for Environment and Health, at the School of Geography, Archaeology and Irish Studies, NUIG.  As well as a highly published author of international journal articles, he is a keen photographer, with a popular following on social media. You can find him on instagram and facebook. Click on link below:

References:

Reference 1. Andrews, K.  (2020)  To take good photos, you need to learn geography. Capturing the beauty of Galway in the photography of Dr. Chaosheng Zhang.  Galway Advertiser.  Oct 22th. 

Reference 2. Piper, David and Philip Rawson. (2000) The Illustrated History of Art. London: Chancellor Press.

Reference 3. Source of quote: www.tate.org.uk/