Seclusion

Zhang’s recent creations bring focus to some common objects from daily life that surrounds the themes of anti-burglary and self-preservation - steel fences, barb wires and bamboo privets. As an artistic symbol, barb wires represent the cruel reality in society, and sharp thorns symbolize the cold cutting cruelty; when we walk through these thorns, we would inevitably be pierced and scathed to the flesh. The popular steel fences that can be seen everywhere amalgamate into reels and reels of stifling barricades, barring us to the inside. At the onset, people will naturally find these oppressive and sharp fences distasteful and repulsive. However, through time how did we ultimately got accustomed to their “protection“? Have we in fact been tranquilized by these fences that have been deceptively beautified? Has one ever created his own mesmerizing matrix of fences and became one’s own prisoner within? These questions are not only Zhang’s exploration of our society, but also questions of introspection. Just as the steel fences camouflaged with rainbow wrappers and colorful pills, Zhang created the “bamboo privets” alongside the “steel fences” to complete the “seclusion” series. Zhang wishes to prod the viewer not only to experience Zhang’s self-healing but also on a journey of self-speculation and self-reflection.

“Seclusion is a form of escape, it is also a choice; when one closes the door behind oneself, logic and potential can be fully released and realized to explore and experience the intangible.” said Zhang Yanzi.

In addition to the exhibition, Galerie Ora-Ora shall be hosting an artist talk with Zhang Yanzi from 10am to 11am 30 March 2019(Sat). Honorary guest speakers include: Dr. William Fan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance, Prof. Isaac Leung, Assistant Professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Ms. Yan Tung, curator at the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Science as the moderator of the talk. The seminar will be livestreamed on Galerie Ora-Ora’s facebook page.