Cigarettes are controversial subject matter. Tobacco advertising is one of the most highly regulated forms of marketing — once prominent in magazines, newspapers and sports events, tobacco advertising, often viewed as the glamorisation of smoking,
Cigarettes are controversial subject matter. Tobacco advertising is one of the most highly regulated forms of marketing — once prominent in magazines, newspapers and sports events, tobacco advertising, often viewed as the glamorisation of smoking, is now banned in many countries. However, cigarettes and the culture of smoking has, and continues to occupy the work of numerous creatives, from artists such as Sarah Lucas and Claes Oldenburg to photographer Nick Knight, with his iconic 1988 Susie Smoking.
This week saw Yang Yongliang's striking Cigarette Ash Landscape, become one of the most Loved products on the AnOther Loves stream. Chosen by Jean-Luc Dupont, founder of fashion PR company système D, Yongliang’s striking Landscape is intricately created out of black and white photographs of cityscapes, collaged and piled to mimic cigarette ash. Shanghai-born and based Yongliang primarily works using photography and collage. Inspired by traditional Chinese paintings, his other famous pieces appear like dreamlike shan shui paintworks carefully constructed using the same intricate photographic layering process as his Cigarette Ash. Receiving critical acclaim globally he has exhibited his work all over China, America, Australia and Europe. One of the many emerging talents to come out of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Yongliang has embraced the artistic freedom that past generations were deprived of, establishing a name for himself and garnering worldwide recognition.
AnOther spoke to Jean-Luc to find out more about his choice:
Why did you choose to Love the Cigarette Ash Landscape?
The work immediately appealed to my sensibility; I loved the idea, the aesthetic and concept of it as well as the skill that goes into its realisation.
Born and based in Shanghai, Yang Yongliang is one of the many emerging Chinese talents whose work is influenced by their country. Are there any other Chinese influenced products you particularly like?
I also particularly like Chinese food and tea, the Ming Dynasty and art, as well as the work by architect Ieoh Ming Pei and menswear designer Chi Zhang.
There is an incredible intricacy and skill to Yongliang’s landscapes, are there any other handcrafted works or products that you are particularly fond of?
I'm particularly fond of origami but I like all sorts of handcrafted works or products — for me the hand is the most beautiful tool.
What was the last thing you bought?
The last thing I bought was a Metro ticket, but the last luxury item I purchased was an iPad.
What would be your dream purchase and why?
My dream purchase would be a house somewhere by the sea or overlooking the valley and the paddy fields in Ubud, Bali. I don't think I need to explain why…
What is your favourite online shop?
I don't shop online but I guess if I did Mr Porter would be the one.
Text by Lucia Davies
