Current Exhibition

Our third Art competition “Landscapes” started in March 2025 and concluded on April 03, 2025. Art Room Gallery received entries from many countries around the world: Canada, Poland, Ireland, UK, Taiwan, USA. The Landscapes theme in this competition included a diversity in types, styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, pastel, fiber, photography, digital art, cast bronze). The following evaluation criteria has been used for judging the artwork: creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and quality of art, overall design, demonstration of artistic ability, and usage of medium. Jury decided to select 30 artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. Aside from First, Second, and Third place Jury also presented Merit awards and Honorable Mention awards.

Thank you, and enjoy the exhibition!

Statement:

Jason Shih was born in 1972 in Taiwan. In 1991, he began to specialize in metal sculpture when he was a sophomore in the Fine Arts Dept. of Taipei National University of the Arts. In 2001, he graduated from School for American Crafts, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, and majored in Metal Sculpture. And then, he served as the metal sculptor Albert Paley's assistant, involved in crafts and public art work practices. Furthermore, he earned his Art Ph. D. from China Academy of Art, China (2015). Now, he lives in Taiwan, and consistently engages in the both areas of sculpture and public art. Jason Shih’s artistic vision is shaped by a diverse array of influences, from contemporary dance to avant-garde fashion. He cites German choreographer Pina Bausch and British designer Alexander McQueen as significant inspirations. Bausch’s explorations of time and space resonate with Shih’s interest in sculpture’s capacity to embody kinetic energy and spatial imagination. McQueen’s innovative approach to contemporary imagery and themes provides Shih with a broad canvas for creative expression. Shih’s work is also influenced by the aesthetic principles of Futurism and Constructivism, movements that emphasize dynamic energy and continuous motion.

Statement:

Rooted in the evocative landscapes of Ireland, my work captures the essence of place through an innovative approach to acrylic on canvas. Using layering and sketching techniques, I often immerse myself in a series of paintings simultaneously, creating a natural harmony within the body of work. While some pieces stand alone, others resonate as a series meant to be experienced side by side. My inspiration is deeply tied to my surroundings. Painting from memory rather than direct references, I draw from countless journeys through the Irish countryside, particularly the serene Shannon region where I live. This approach allows me to infuse each composition with the fleeting yet enduring impressions of light, texture, and atmosphere. Recently, I’ve explored Heidelberg, focusing on landscapes over traditional architecture. My impressionistic studies emphasize the river, light, and distinct red hues of local stone. The scenes, though recognizable as landscapes, lean into abstraction, breaking forms into their elemental essence and capturing the unique climate and spirit of a moment. Each piece invites viewers to experience landscapes in their own way—some demand distance for their fullness, while others reveal intricate layers upon closer examination. This dual perspective fosters a personal connection, evoking memories of places visited or long forgotten. By eliminating distractions like animals, people, or buildings, my paintings focus on meditative beauty, reacting to visual and atmospheric elements. This creates an intimate, calming experience for myself and those who engage with my work. My aim is to evoke an unexpected moment of connection, transporting viewers to a place of quiet reflection and shared memory.

Third place

Statement:

Ivan is a pastel artist living and working in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, in the UK, having been brought up in Nottinghamshire. He was introduced to pastel as a teenager by a friend of his father's and in fact still has remnants of his first set of pastels. At 16, Ivan chose a career as a veterinary surgeon, rather than go to art college. However, in his retirement he pursued is interest on the creative arts, specialising in pastel as his chosen medium, and his understanding of animals allows him to add something extra to his artworks. Modern pastels and pastel pencils allow for more detailed artworks with increased depth and vibrancy. Ivan makes full use of this to create a style that is unique to him. Today commission work occupies much of his time, with subjects ranging from portraits and pet portraits to landscapes, and vintage and racing cars. Ivan has completed a large number of artworks in the past 24 years, many of which can be seen on his website. Ivan admires the work of many artists including the Impressionists, Pre-Raphaelites, David Shepherd, Simon Coombes and many of his contemporaries.