Through intricate grids of small crosses, Ding builds up sophisticated, constellation-like canvases

In reaction to widespread propaganda and the turn toward figuration in late 1980s China, Ding Yi (born 1962) developed a purely geometric painting language. Using building blocks of stars and crosses, Ding tessellates these symbols together across one or several canvases to create large, engrossing compositions that read as intricate patterns or constellations.

Cross Galaxy introduces a new, avant-garde voice in contemporary Chinese painting. The book was developed from a long-term research project initiated by the artist’s solo exhibition at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and presents a comprehensive study of Ding’s 40-year practice. Art historians, curators and collaborators contribute interviews, reviews, commentary and anecdotes on the artist’s life and work, alongside images of Ding’s studio, early exhibitions from the 1980s and details of his scintillating paintings.