Shiqing Deng, winner of Bennett Prize. Image: Bennett Prize

An evocative oil on linen painting titled Life by Shiqing Deng wins the prestigious Bennett Prize and $50,000 for a solo exhibition.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

NEW YORK, NY-Shiqing Deng has won this year’s prestigious Bennett Prize, which includes a $50,000 award for her to create a solo exhibition of her figurative realist paintings. This exhibition will tour the country, showcasing her exceptional talent and unique artistic vision.

Shiqing Deng’s winning piece, titled Life, is an oil on linen painting measuring 66 x 44 inches. It features a portrait of an African American woman who appears to be reflecting on life’s challenges. With her dreadlocks tied in a bun, the woman rests her head on her hand, gazing into the distance. Behind her, stick letters spell out Life. To her left, colorful and dark geometric shapes represent the struggles of balancing life, work, relationships, and health. In front of her, an inverted glass containing some orange liquid adds to the painting’s narrative.

Pondering Life’s Turbulent Experiences

The painting invites viewers to ponder the woman’s thoughts. Is she lamenting a lost relationship? Did she lose her job? Or is she simply overwhelmed by life’s unpredictability? While the shapes around her and the inverted glass hint at her struggles, they do not provide clear answers. Her contemplative expression adds a layer of mystery to this compelling artwork.

Life is a reflective exploration of how we all navigate life’s turbulence. The painting resonates with everyday experiences, capturing a moment of quiet reflection frozen in time. The meticulous detail and thoughtful composition draw viewers in, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives. The geometric shapes symbolize the woman’s efforts to balance her life, often teetering on the edge of collapse. What does one do in such situations? Give up?

Deng’s Winning Piece: Life

Deng’s compositional skills are evident in her use of the inverted cup and the woman’s elongated hand resting on the table, which draw viewers into the painting and compel them to contemplate its meaning.

The Artistic Vision of Shiqing Deng

Deng’s paintings probe the complexity of human experience, exploring the interplay between digitally manipulated reality and the tangible world. Her work often features enigmatic narratives populated by figurines or solitary actors. Drawing heavily from personal experiences, Deng’s art offers a unique perspective on society and contemporary events. By juxtaposing past and present and using both digital and traditional media, Deng creates a compelling dialogue between the real and the imagined.

In Deng’s work, clothing is both a concealer and an expression of the body. Her compositions disrupt the three-dimensional illusion of the figures with planar and drawn elements, while elongated limbs accentuate spatial distortions. These elements act as costumes, providing visual narratives of the internal and fabricated tales within her art. Deng’s ability to manipulate visual elements to create a sense of otherworldliness sets her apart in the contemporary art landscape.

Winning the Bennett Prize opens new avenues for Shiqing Deng. She will be able to showcase her work nationally and connect with a broader audience. She hopes that her ability to convey powerful narratives through her art will resonate with many, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene.

About Shiqing Deng

Shiqing Deng holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, China, and a Master of Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art in New York City. Her works have been in exhibitions across the United States and China. She has had art shows in Los Angeles, and New York, and prestigious venues like the United Nations and Sotheby’s in New York. Deng has also received awards such as the Terra Foundation Residency in Giverny, France, and the Best of Show award at the WMOCA International Biennial Portrait Competition.

The Bennett Prize: Supporting Women Artists in Figurative Realism

Established in 2018, the Bennett Prize aims to support and elevate women artists working in figurative realism. This genre, often overlooked, is rich with emotion, narrative, and technical skill. The Prize seeks to challenge the status quo and provide a platform for women artists to showcase their talent and creativity. By offering significant financial support and exhibition opportunities, the Bennett Prize plays a crucial role in promoting the visibility and success of women artists in the art world.

Winning the Bennett Prize is not only a personal triumph for Shiqing Deng but also a victory for women artists everywhere. Her work challenges us to see the world in new ways and reminds us of the transformative power of art. As she continues to make her mark on the art world, her impact on future generations of artists and art lovers is sure to be profound. The Bennett Prize has once again highlighted the importance of supporting women artists and ensuring their voices are heard in the space of figurative realism.