Artist Ding Yi, known for his decades-long dedication to the cross motif in abstraction, is preparing for his major Venice exhibition 'Cosmotechnics' at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia. The show, running from 9 May to 22 November 2026, features key archival works alongside a new series of twelve black-and-white basswood relief paintings and two stone steles carved with his signature cross pattern. Ding Yi reflects on his artistic journey, which began in 1988 at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, and his shift from strict geometric grids to more intuitive, cosmic-inspired compositions.
The exhibition marks a significant moment for Ding Yi, whose practice bridges Chinese artistic heritage and global contemporary abstraction. By incorporating ancient stone stele traditions with his modernist cross motif, he connects millennia of civilization with personal artistic evolution. The show, produced in collaboration with Lisson Gallery and ShanghART, underscores the growing international recognition of Chinese abstract artists and the continued relevance of cross-cultural dialogue in the art world.