ARTIST STATEMENT As a conceptual artist who uses all types of methods within the studio, I feel that my work encompasses a broad range of emotional and philosophical concerns. Whether I execute a certain piece as a minimalist or as a figurative painter or as a conceptual photographer, a constant theme within my work is how humans interpret the outer reality both psychologically and scientifically in a systematic manner. I feel that it becomes more imperative to use dark, satirical humor and experimental and methodical techniques to emphasize the loss and regaining of humanity in a world that seems to have become amok with consumerism and emotional glaciation. As an artist, I feel that it is my duty as an alchemist and/or shaman to convert everyday objects and materials from my studio, home, or discarded artifacts into the magic of a new type of transfiguration bridging the traditional framework of genres such as still life or portrait or landscape with new and exciting radical interpretations. BIOGRAPHY qi peng was born in Queens, New York in 1976. He received his masters degree at Yale University. He is a conceptual and minimalist artist and photographer who works with various approaches ranging from traditional drawing to mixed media paintings to conceptual documentary photography. The artist currently lives and works near downtown Salt Lake City and New York City for special projects. His website can be found at http://www.geocities.com/qipeng100776.