Jiangang Su: A Thousand Years in One Stream
蘇健剛：繪集千年
苏健刚：绘集千年
November 27, 2026–January 24, 2027
Opening reception: Thursday, November 26, 7-9 pm
In recognition of the nearing end of the Year of the Horse, the Burnaby Art Gallery is pleased to present A Thousand Years in One Stream. This exhibition by Jiangang Su takes inspiration from the mountains and lush surroundings of the region to offer poetic contemplations on cyclical understandings of time. Jiangang Su’s masterful training in traditional Chinese painting is channeled towards the creation of contemporary calligraphy, where delicate branches and flowing streams emanate breath, movement and the persistence of each moment.
Of special significance is that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the distinguished artist’s arrival to Canada. Having first settled in Burnaby upon arriving from China, Jiangang Su was quickly moved by the serene setting of Deer Lake Park. His paintings stay true to the legacies of ancient Chinese art while taking inspiration from western aesthetics and foregrounding compositions that bridge cultural and regional divides. Local birds and rock formations are depicted in his detailed, balanced brushwork, transforming elements from nature through mineral pigment, ink, and seal carving.
Jiangang Su (b. 1974, Suzhou, China) graduated from Changshu Institute of Technology in Arts and Crafts.
Deeply influenced by Chinese Jiangnan culture, he trained under renowned calligrapher and seal carver Gongda Yan at Tsinghua University. Since immigrating to Canada in 2016, Su has exhibited regularly, including at Lipont Gallery, Richmond Art Gallery, Sunzen Art Gallery, and the West Vancouver Art Museum. Su is also an experienced art educator. His works are collected internationally and appear in the private collections of numerous art institutions and galleries.
Image credit: Jiangang Su, Bodhi Verse 菩提偈, Bamboo Chant, 2022, mineral pigments on bamboo and sandalwood Xuan paper, 67 x 67 cm, courtesy the artist. Photography: Blaine Campbell
Programs
The public is welcome to join us for the following activities:
In the BAG
November 29 and January 24, 12:30-1:30 pm
Get inspired by a visit to the Gallery, then head into the BARN studio for a free drop-in activity for all ages!
Cantonese and Mandarin Tours
December 20, 27 and January 17, 12:30-1:30 pm
Join us for a free guided exhibition tour in Cantonese and Mandarin. No registration required. For more information, call 604-297-4422 (English only).
- Tour in Cantonese: 12:30-1 pm
- Tour in Mandarin: 1-1:30 pm
Fireside Chat with Jiangang Su
January 10, 10:30 am-noon
Enjoy light refreshments and learn directly from artist Jiangang Su about his expertise and expansive practice. This talk will be delivered in Mandarin, with English translation. Attendance is free, please register by calling 604-297-4422 or emailing [email protected]. For hands-on exploration of technique, sign up for the Chinese Brush Painting workshop in the afternoon!
Chinese Brush Painting Workshop
January 10, 1-3 pm
Inspired by the works of Jiangang Su featured in the current exhibition, you will be taught introductory brush painting techniques and create your own artworks. Registration required. For a full experience, attend the free artist talk by master painter Jiangang Su offered in the morning.