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Zhiwen Esther Tang
USA
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“In my view, art is about the aesthetic attraction of individual spirit, ideas, and emotional values.”
Esther Tang is an illustrator and visual designer based in New York City. Throughout these years, she has honed her skills in creating narrative and informative illustrations across various domains, including editorial work, product development, and children's books. Graduating from the illustration program at the School of Visual Arts, she delved into experimenting with different mediums and techniques during her studies.
Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World 1 | Mixed Media
NA
19 X 13
In "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I sought to challenge the limits that knowledge often places on imagination. People frequently dismiss claims that defy reality and refuse to believe in things they haven't seen. In creating this series, I pushed these boundaries by relying entirely on my imagination to envision a world where dinosaurs inhabit the moon. I hope this work inspires viewers to maintain their sense of wonder and imagination about the unknown.
Embracing a deep fascination with digital drawing, she found joy in weaving the subtle textures of traditional mediums into her digital creations. Working as an illustrator and product designer, she is passionate about infusing her artworks with the power to connect and communicate. Notably, her works have been showcased in various exhibitions and awards such as the Society of Illustrators Annual, Award of Excellence in Communication Arts, 101st ADC Annual, and the World Illustration Award.
Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World 2 | Mixed Media
NA
19 X 13
In "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I sought to challenge the limits that knowledge often places on imagination. People frequently dismiss claims that defy reality and refuse to believe in things they haven't seen. In creating this series, I pushed these boundaries by relying entirely on my imagination to envision a world where dinosaurs inhabit the moon. I hope this work inspires viewers to maintain their sense of wonder and imagination about the unknown.
From a young age, Esther found joy in her daily experiences through drawing, and her artwork has always been closely tied to her emotions. Gradually, she realized that drawing was the way to connect herself with the world. Sounds smiles, touches, and her surroundings significantly all became the inspiration of her creative process. Her work is about experiences, storytelling, and embodying emotions.
“As an illustrator, I enjoy the storytelling aspect of illustration.”
Esther's artistic creations often reflect the vitality and complexity of urban life. Moving from Shenzhen to New York, city life and modern mental wellness have been significant sources of inspiration for her art. One particular aspect that catches her attention is the psychological state and emotions of urban residents. Amidst the benefits brought by modernization, people struggle with the relentless pace of city life.
Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World 3 | Mixed Media
NA
19 X 13
In "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I sought to challenge the limits that knowledge often places on imagination. People frequently dismiss claims that defy reality and refuse to believe in things they haven't seen. In creating this series, I pushed these boundaries by relying entirely on my imagination to envision a world where dinosaurs inhabit the moon. I hope this work inspires viewers to maintain their sense of wonder and imagination about the unknown.
In "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I sought to challenge the limits that knowledge often places on imagination. People frequently dismiss claims that defy reality and refuse to believe in things they haven't seen. In creating this series, I pushed these boundaries by relying entirely on my imagination to envision a world where dinosaurs inhabit the moon. I hope this work inspires viewers to maintain their sense of wonder and imagination about the unknown.
Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World 4 | Mixed Media
NA
19 X 13
Under the influence of the internet and the pandemic, interpersonal relationships have become increasingly distant. She utilizes her observations and experiences in urban life to create numerous artworks that attempt to reflect the complexity of city living. In "City Chaos," she endeavors to depict the cultural and social upheavals she has experienced through large-scale group portraits.
“Driven by curiosity and occasional self-conflict, I employ my art as a means to understand myself, dissect my experiences, and examine my existence and relationship in the world.”
“Through my research on urbanization and disasters, I hope to prompt the audience to consider whether the concept of coexistence can help resolve the conflicts between urbanization and nature. These physical and psychological experiences transform into modern visual elements, fluid brushstrokes, and rich narrative scenes in my illustrations.”
"City Chaos" expresses the multifaceted nature of New York City, where celebration, cultural exchange, crime, protest, and love coexist in chaos. This simultaneous existence of complex humanity and the underlying social contradictions fascinates her. In "Seafood Life" and "Tsunami in the City," she also explores the conflicts and relationships between social dynamics and nature.
Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World 5 | Mixed Media
NA
10 X 20
In "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," I sought to challenge the limits that knowledge often places on imagination. People frequently dismiss claims that defy reality and refuse to believe in things they haven't seen. In creating this series, I pushed these boundaries by relying entirely on my imagination to envision a world where dinosaurs inhabit the moon. I hope this work inspires viewers to maintain their sense of wonder and imagination about the unknown.
Living in an era where self-consciousness and mental wellness are becoming more important, Esther's artwork is always filled with overflowing emotions and self-discovery. Inspired by the stories of people around her struggling with life pressures and family issues, Esther began seeking inner peace through her illustration creation.
Hay Fever No.1 | Mixed Media
NA
14 X 10
"Hay Fever" is a series about mental conflict and poison relationship. This is the first piece of the series.
In "Backyard," which is the most important project to her, she attempts to learn about herself, her family, her illness, and the way to reconcile with her inner conflicts. For example, in "Reconciliation with the Self," a humanoid shadow is sewing wings but also leaving scars on the character's back. A series of small images surrounding the main character shows the process of painful reconciliation.
"City Choas" is inspired by my experience in the United States -- cities are in the midst of social division, and citizens are the biggest victims of the chaos. People are living in the anxiety of persecution and lose their stable living environment.
City Chaos - Times Sqaure 42rd St | Mixed Media
NA
24 X 48
“I am intrigued by the profound connections between people, between people and cities, nature, and the world.”
Bubble Bath | Mixed Media
NA
11 X 8.5
"Bubble Bath" is an exploration of unbridled imagination. It portrays me surrounded by floating bubbles, each one symbolizing a distinct dream, thought, or idea. This piece illustrates the boundless depths of my creative mind.
Esther uses a calming tone in the middle to overshadow the pain in the surroundings, illustrating the idea of healing. She hopes her illustrations can help people be aware of their feelings, face inner struggles, and help them find their inner selves. Standing upon the "Backyard" project, she realized that illustration could send an empowering message to heal people.
"Womanity" is an illustrtaion about woman power.
Womanity | Mixed Media
NA
8 X 12
Esther believes her value lies in her ability to tell captivating stories, raise questions, and solve problems through her work. The unique sensibility, emotional depth, and intuitive attitude towards social issues of an artist constitute the core values in the field of creativity. Artists have the ability to reveal pressing issues and provoke meaningful dialogue through their work.
Candy House |Mixed Media
NA
8 X 12
"Candy House" is an illustration about a sweet and imaginative dream. Inspired by "Hansel and Gretel", I pictured a candy house that furniture, plants and house decorations incooperating with candies.
“I hope to continue inspiring my audience and provoke more conversation about the importance of art in contemporary culture.”
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