Zhong Kui, The Demon Queller
August 8 - August 22, 2026
Zhenjiang Chen
Opening Reception: August 9, 4pm -6 pm
Gallery Da Vinci is pleased to present Zhong Kui, The Demon Queller, a solo exhibition of ink paintings by Zhenjiang Chen, on view August 8 through August 22, 2026, with an opening reception on August 9.
For centuries, Zhong Kui has been revered in Chinese visual culture as one of the best-known figures in Chinese Daoism, serving as a guardian who banishes evil and protects homes. Beyond exorcising demons, he is also seen as a benevolent deity associated with blessings, peace, and the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes.
Through this exhibition, Chen revisits Zhong Kui as both a cultural icon and a universal symbol, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of safety, resilience, and hope. Characterized by iron strokes and silver hooks, Chen's expressive brushwork balances force with tenderness, capturing Zhong Kui's unwavering strength while revealing an unexpected warmth and humanity. His ink paintings transcend traditional depictions of Zhong Kui, presenting him not only as a fearless protector but also as a figure of righteousness and power.
Selected Works
Jiawei Zhou
Seizing a Ghost , 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
Sword Against Evil, 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
Shielding Against Evil, 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
Zhong Kui, 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
The Scholar Banishes Evil, 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
The Divine Judge, 2026
[HxW] 39.4 in x 19.7 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
The Divine Might Unleashed, 2026
[HxW] 55.1 in x 26.8 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
Driving Away Ghosts, 2026
[HxW] 55.1 in x 26.8 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen
Zhong Kui Drinking Wine, 2026
[HxW] 55.1 in x 26.8 in
Ink and color on xuan paper
Zhenjiang Chen was born in Xuzhou, China, a region with a profound cultural heritage deeply influenced by the legacy of the Han Dynasty. Passionate about painting from an early age, he devoted himself to the study of traditional Chinese art and trained under Mr. Wang Jizhou, one of the renowned “Ten Elders of Calligraphy and Painting” in Xuzhou, establishing a solid foundation in traditional brushwork and ink techniques. He later traveled and studied in Suzhou, Tianjin, and other regions, absorbing diverse artistic influences and integrating classical, modern, Eastern, and Western painting approaches. His paintings are rooted in the compositional principles and aesthetic traditions of Song and Yuan Dynasty landscape painting, while embodying the spirit of traditional freehand expression. He also incorporates the strengths of Western painting, particularly the use of light, shadow, and spatial depth.
Zhenjiang Chen currently serves as a council member of the China Democratic League Central Academy of Painting and Calligraphy, a council member of the Jiangsu Guofeng Academy of Chinese Painting of the China Democratic League, Vice President of the Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Popular Painting and Calligraphy, and Vice President of the Jiangsu Zhongyi Academy of Painting and Calligraphy. He is dedicated to the creation and promotion of traditional Chinese painting, carrying forward the cultural heritage of the Han tradition through ink and brush while expressing a spirit of integrity and artistic vitality through his works.