Exhibition Dates: April 2 – May 1, 2010
Opening Reception: First Friday Gallery Walk, April 2, 6-10pm

In May, 2009 JJ Jiang presented an exhibition in Artspace’s Upfront Gallery entitled Venice of the East. The exhibition consisted of a series of paintings visualizing the waterways of Jiang’s birthplace in Suzhou, China.  This year, Jiang presents a sequel to that exhibition.  This Water focuses on Jiang’s newly adopted home—Oriental, NC.  When he first visited the town on Labor Day, 2005, he was deeply struck by its tranquil, quaint surroundings and its vibrant fishing community, all without tourist fanfare.  Since that time, Jiang has made a home in Oriental, NC. The images in this exhibition are merely a few samples of numerous sketches and paintings he has attempted over the past few years.  But the journey won’t stop here for Jiang, as he continuously explores different approaches to depict what he perceives as the magic of the place -- this water.

Jiang, award winning watercolorist, was trained as an architect and architectural historian with professional degrees from both the US and China. He practiced architecture as a designer in firms in Hong Kong and the US.  He also taught architectural design and history at the Overseas Chinese University.  In 2000, Jiang established JJ Illustration, combining his artistic and design talents to collaborate with architects and developers, focusing on visualizing the architectural concept through traditional watercolor medium. His profession  allows him to devote time to fine art. Watercolor painting has remained one of the great passions of his life. Jiang is a signature member of the Watercolor Society of North Carolina and is a member of the Artspace Artist Association in Raleigh.  Jiang currently resides both in Cary and Oriental, NC, the state he regards as full of natural wonders and inspiration.