Serene beauty and jarring violence literally collide in the gripping works of Gary Hong, a Taiwanese-American painter based in Los Angeles. Rooted in Chinese calligraphy and landscape paintings, his compositions combine these traditions with abstract expressionism and smashed panes of glass. The layering effect of acrylic paints on canvas, under glass, with some paints reaching the outer surface through cracks and fractures, teases viewers’ depth perception. Painted lines run parallel to those created by shattered glass; pools of color gather at points of impact, adding new textures to the original abstract compositions. Though Hong’s work evades clear figurative interpretation, the volatility in his canvases often suggests skies and seascapes, with areas of sharp contrast evoking horizon lines and crashing waves.

All these tensions between layers, textures, gestures and tones make for compelling diversity and astounding complexity in each piece. Hong manipulates acrylics with great sensitivity and a flair for mystery, his cloud-like formations occasionally emitting unexpected bursts of color and sharp lines. The careful application of paints in gentle gradients gives way to the chance destruction of broken glass. This tension between the planned and uncontrolled elements of Hong’s work gives each piece a sharp edge, so to speak. Each fluid shift between strong tones acquires new dimensions under forceful shards of delicate glass.                                                                                  
                                          --- By ARTisSpectrum   2011