Jack Zhang, b. 1998
acrylic and soy sauce on canvas, 60 x 48 x 1.5", Original, 1/1, 2024
 
This vibrant and surreal composition by Jack Zhang blends bold portraiture with an expressive natural landscape, drawing inspiration from Fawn’s Leap in the Catskills, New York. Dominating the canvas is a large, exaggerated face rendered in electrifying hues of orange, pink, blue, and yellow. The character's broad, toothy grin radiates an infectious energy, while three wide, alert eyes—one centered on the forehead—suggest an expanded perception, possibly a nod to heightened awareness or intuition.
 
A striking blue cap with an emblem resembling the New York Yankees logo sits atop the figure’s head, grounding the urban influence within this otherwise dreamlike setting. The background, inspired by the breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls of Fawn’s Leap, shifts into a scenic natural environment where rugged rock formations and lush green trees meet swirling waters under a soft, moonlit sky. Zhang captures the raw, untamed beauty of the Catskills, blending his expressive, graffiti-influenced style with the serene, almost mystical energy of the location.
 
Zhang’s signature gestural brushstrokes and graffiti-inspired markings add layers of movement and energy, while the interplay of neon tones against the cooler blues and greens creates a striking visual tension. The painting exudes a sense of exploration, both external and internal—perhaps a reflection on identity, environment, and the way they intersect in moments of awe and adventure.