Chinese artistic traditions are explored through sculpture, painting, and photography at a new exhibition featuring the work of internationally renowned scholar, artist, and North Fork resident Robert Oxnam.
Sponsored by the East End Arts Council, the presentation will take place at two venues in Riverhead: the Andy Tarshis Fine Art Gallery at 133 E. Main Street and the 11 West Gallery, named for its location on West Main. It will run from April 5 to May 10, with an artist’s reception on the 5th.
Finding Qi (pronounced “chee”) references a key concept in Chinese philosophy—an invisible yet powerful force of creative energy. Oxnam, who transitioned to visual art later in life, was deeply inspired by the ancient tradition of Chinese scholar’s rocks—weathered stones revered for their natural beauty and expressive forms. His sculptures, crafted from driftwood found on North Fork beaches, echo the fluidity and dynamism of these traditional artifacts, shaped by the forces of nature and refined by the artist’s hand with sandpaper and milk paint.
Oxnam’s photography takes a meditative approach, using macro lenses to capture intricate details of the glacial stones at Rocky Point. His paintings, meanwhile, blend traditional Chinese splash ink techniques with modern acrylics on rice paper, creating a dialogue between classical and contemporary aesthetics.
Beyond its artistic themes, Finding Qi also engages with Oxnam’s personal journey, including his experiences with dissociative identity disorder, a subject he addressed in his acclaimed memoir, “A Fractured Mind.” As part of the exhibition’s programming, the Arts Council will host two panel discussions—one exploring the role of Chinese art in Oxnam’s work and another examining the intersection of creativity and dissociative brain disorders.
The show is co-curated by Oxnam’s wife, Vishakha Desai, a noted scholar of Asian art and former president of The Asia Society, along with filmmaker Amei Wallach, a longtime friend of the artist. Desai and Wallach, both deeply familiar with Oxnam’s artistic and intellectual pursuits, bring their expertise and personal insights to the curation of this exhibition.
“Robert’s art is a powerful expression of transformation—of materials, traditions, and personal experience,” Desai said. “Through Finding Qi, we hope to offer visitors a window into his extraordinary journey.”
With its fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary vision, Finding Qi promises to be a thought-provoking experience for art lovers and scholars alike.