Helen Deng

TANG DAYAO is not a well-known artist. The young graduate of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts said he has not yet quite found the style that suits him.

Yet that might make Tang’s works even more interesting. From his paintings one can see the confusion and inner conflict of a young artist, who, according to himself, was torn between the reality of having to sell his works and his education on traditional painting techniques.

“I don’t think I have a style. Choosing a particular style can limit one’s creativity. I am still uncertain about my direction,” said Tang.

Tang described his paintings as “fragments.” “I’m waiting for these fragments to naturally grow into a complete map,” said Tang.

About 60 oil paintings by Tang are being shown at OCT Art & Design Gallery. His paintings feature exquisite touches, dark colors, and realistic themes, reflecting a personality that is calm on the surface but turbulent deep down.

The title of the exhibition is “Reflection or Refraction.” On the one hand, his paintings are realist in style. On the other hand, given that every piece of his artwork is influenced both by the artistic market and years of education in technique, it is not entirely accurate to call them realist, said Tang.

OCT Art & Design Gallery

Time: Sept. 28-Oct. 30, 2011

Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Add: 9009 Shennan Boulevard, OCT, Shenzhen (Next to InterContinental Shenzhen)

Tel: 3399-3111/3399-3222

Web site: www.oct-and.com