Zhang Shujian intends to depict the universal character traits of the Chinese nation in his latest works. Since his previous solo show, Zhang studied Chinese styling methods to expose the spiritual image of Chinese people using a traditional artistic language. The exhibition includes two series entitled "Skin Weave” and "Fellah".
In the "skin weave" series, every single one of the skin’s details and imperfections are underlined and surreally exaggerated. The visible vessels and pores represent not only the apparent reality, but also the invisible inner truth.
Zhang Shujian, Skin Weave No. 8, 2015; painting
Zhang Shujian, Fellaheen, 2015; painting
The word “Fellah” derives from the Arabic word for peasant or agricultural laborer. The German philosopher Spengler adopted this term to describe a formerly glorious nation degenerated by their own wealth and gradually decaying. Inspired by Spengler’s concept combined with his own imagination, Zhang Shujian has created this series to highlight the sharp contrast between the past glories and the present decomposing state of a nation through a sequence of grotesque portraits of individuals.
Zhang Shujian, Fellaheen No. 9, 2015; painting
Zhang Shujian, Fellaheen No. 17, 2015; painting
About the exhibition
Date: Jan 23, 2016 - Feb 29, 2016
Opening: Jan 23, 2016, 15:00, Saturday
Venue: Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery
Courtesy of the artist and Hadrien de Montferrand Gallery.
