Ding Shilun harnesses his heritage, current events and a global history of art to create large and detailed pictorial works depicting the absurdity of daily life. His unique concurrence of the mythological, the historical and the everyday allow the emergence of an imaginary world with a representation of himself within our seemingly homogenous society. Rooted in pictorial references such as Gustav Klimt or Kai Althoff intertwined with interpretations of Chinese literature - namely a collection of Chinese legends, translated as ‘In Search of the Supernatural,’ written between 220-589 AD - Shilun’s characters inhabit imaginary worlds that serve as allegories for human experience and emotion. The precision of the details is used to contrast the different textures found in the paintings, sometimes resembling watercolor, as well as playing on a combination of co-existing perspectives, which question the distinction between real and surreal.
His recent solo shows include ‘Ding Shilun: Janus’ at ICA Miami (2024), 'Invites: Ding Shilun', London (2023) and 'Paradiso' at Bernheim, Zurich (2022). His works have been included as permanent collections in, among others: Zabludowicz Collection, London; ICA Miami, Miami and Yan Du Collection.
His recent solo shows include ‘Ding Shilun: Janus’ at ICA Miami (2024), 'Invites: Ding Shilun', London (2023) and 'Paradiso' at Bernheim, Zurich (2022). His works have been included as permanent collections in, among others: Zabludowicz Collection, London; ICA Miami, Miami and Yan Du Collection.
Ding Shilun, Dream Trap (2024) oil on linen, 240 x 190 cm; exhibited as part of Ding Shilun: Janus at ICA Miami. Image Courtesy of the artist.
Ding Shilun, Moondance (2024) oil on linen, 240 x 300 cm; exhibited as part of Ding Shilun: Janus at ICA Miami. Image Courtesy of the artist. 
Ding Shilun, Jade Heist (2022), oil on linen, 160 x 180 cm. Image Courtesy of the artist. 
Ding Shilun, Dream of the Blue Chamber (2022), oil on linen, 200 x 240 cm. Image Courtesy of the artist. 
Ding Shilun, Falling Gold (2024) oil on linen, 230 x 190 cm. Image Courtesy of the artist.
Ding Shilun, The Expulsion (2022) oil on canvas. Image Courtesy of the artist.
Ding Shilun, Dream of the Blue Chamber (2022) oil on linen, 200 x 240 cm. Image Courtesy of the artist.