Tiefeng Jiang

"White Tiger"

1990s

Jiang Tiefeng (b. 1938, Ningbo, China) is a renowned contemporary Chinese artist whose vivid, intricately detailed works have captivated collectors around the world. A graduate of the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, Jiang came of age artistically during the Cultural Revolution—a time when Chinese art was tightly controlled by political ideology. In response, he helped found the Yunnan School, a groundbreaking collective of artists who boldly departed from Socialist Realism to embrace color, symbolism, and spiritual themes drawn from traditional Chinese culture. Jiang’s work is immediately recognizable for its lush palettes, flowing lines, and complex, almost tapestry-like compositions. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, folklore, and nature, his art conveys a profound reverence for cultural heritage while maintaining a deeply personal and mystical sensibility. Figures, animals, flora, and celestial motifs intermingle in his compositions, often presented in a style that evokes both Eastern calligraphy and Western surrealism. In the 1980s, Jiang emigrated to the United States, where his art found an enthusiastic audience. His limited edition serigraphs, lithographs, and large-scale paintings have since been exhibited and collected worldwide. Jiang's technique—layering dozens of colors with precision—results in prints of exceptional richness and dimensionality, often described as "sculptural" in their visual impact. His works are held in both private and institutional collections, prized for their beauty and cultural depth. Though rooted in classical Chinese aesthetics, Jiang’s art transcends borders. His synthesis of tradition and innovation, spirituality and sensuality, makes him a standout figure in the world of modern Asian art. Collectors on 1stDibs will appreciate the timeless quality of Jiang’s works, which offer both visual opulence and enduring cultural significance. Today, Jiang lives and works in the United States, where he continues to create paintings and prints that celebrate the mythic and the meditative. Each piece reflects a masterful balance of color, composition, and meaning—a testament to an artist who bridges ancient tradition with a contemporary, global vision.