Meet Xianghan Cheng | Abstract painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xianghan Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xianghan, why did you pursue a creative career?
Engaging in art has always been something I persistently pursued and never gave up on. I started drawing in kindergarten, and painting was my favorite subject in elementary school, without exception. In middle school, I officially began to learn all the foundations of painting and drawing, and I have continued painting until day. Painting is an indispensable part of life, like breathing, eating, and sleeping. It has become a part of me, and I have become a part of it. When others see my work, it feels like they are seeing a part of me. Every time I create a new painting, I feel excited. In reality, I impose many rules on myself, but I always feel free and safe during the creative process, I don’t have to worry about anything, only painting. I disregard any limitations and embrace greater freedom and individuality. This is precisely why I have persisted in this endeavor for nearly twenty years.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work draws inspiration from the city, streets, spaces, and music, expressed through shapes, lines, layers, and rhythm. These elements merge into my visual language. Everything I see and feel is simplified, absorbed into my subconscious, and re-emerges as fragments in my work.

At times, I capture the essence of a city—a particular shape or color that lingers in my memory. Sometimes, the streets inspire me, whether through the fluidity and brightness of graffiti or the textures of covered surfaces. It might also come from the raised yellow polka dots of a tactile sidewalk at an intersection. My process often feels like layering different timelines together, creating depth and tension within each piece. Music plays a crucial role as well, as I channel the flow of beats into movements that shape the composition.

Through these fragmented impressions, I aim to translate the complex interactions of my surroundings into a visual language that feels immediate and instinctual. I invite viewers into an experience that is as layered and textured as the sources of my inspiration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would like say the Dogpatch which in San Francisco. I had my studio here for like 2 years. I really enjoy this neighborhood. There are great restaurants here, great coffee and bakeries, and my favorite sports team is nearby. I would love spend a lot of time with my best friend over here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my parents, who have provided me with tremendous support. Without their encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. What I remember most is during my third year of middle school, when both of my parents had to work five days a week, yet every weekend they would drive two hours to take me to another city for my painting classes. We would leave at six in the morning to arrive at the studio before nine. My painting classes ran from 9 AM to 6 PM, and they would wait for me in a nearby park until I finished and then drive me home. I don’t know how I can repay them; all I can do is continue on this artistic path. Shoutout to my parents. I love you guys.

Website: https://www.hxxcheng.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chengcxh/