qi peng, conceptual artist

In October 2007, I decided to embark on the absurd journey of “finding” gallery representation or entering rather tough juried competitions using the method of unsolicited submission (not recommended by Edward Winkleman on his famous blog). Against all odds like some mock hero, I submitted portfolios through compact disc or e-mail to approximately 400 galleries throughout the nation, focusing on the New York and Salt Lake City areas, during the past few years.

The results of this long-term experiment as a performance artist are shown through acceptance or rejection letters or postcards that I received within my home address mailbox. My goal is to analyze the frustrations of an emerging artist who attempts to gain validation in a hopeless way like Don Quixote going against windmills. I think that there is black humor on the different ways that galleries have rejected the character of “qi peng.”

The results of this long-term project will be limited-edition prints and installation art projects. Some of the works will become part of the artist’s books I will be working on.