Yun Gee

Yun Gee (1904-1963) was a Chinese-American modernist painter and printmaker. He is best known for his innovative style which blended elements of Cubism, Futurism, and Chinese calligraphy, often referred to as "Diamondism."

Gee was born in China and immigrated to San Francisco in 1921. He established the Chinese Revolutionary Artists' Club in 1926, attracting a diverse group of artists. His work explored themes of social justice, urban life, and his personal identity as a Chinese immigrant.

Gee's artistic career saw periods of recognition and obscurity. He gained considerable acclaim in Paris during the late 1920s and early 1930s, exhibiting alongside prominent European artists. However, his later years in New York were marked by hardship and relative neglect.

Despite the challenges he faced, Yun Gee left behind a significant body of work that reflects his unique vision and contribution to modern art. His paintings and prints are now held in major museum collections. His legacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial bridge between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Key works include "Wheels: Industrial New York" (1932) and "Confucius" (1930). He also wrote a manifesto outlining his artistic philosophy of Diamondism.