Statement
Dystopian art is art that reflects, examines and contemplates the dysfunctional aspects of the human condition.
- K Zhang
My interdisciplinary art practice centers on ideas of displacement, identity and location. I examine the functions of dystopias and heterotopias (Michel Foucault) by translating them into artistic constructions of alternate realities. I study the interrelationships between people, objects, and dysfunctional social phenomenon, such as consumerism or spirituality. I want the viewer to consider the parallels between their experience of reality and their utopic vision of society. My current work includes mirror art and installations of dystopias. The mirror is a dichotomy in itself. It is a placeless place that functions as a heterotopia, being real and unreal at the same time. The mirror self-reflective in nature. The installations are immersive in nature and specific in location. They both create a sensual and emotional experience for the audience and provoke a psychological or even physiological reaction. My previous works include paintings and various other mediums. By taking a conceptual approach to art, my works reflect, examine and contemplate the dysfunctional aspects of our collective reality.
CV
K Zhang is the owner and curator of K Zhang Gallery.K Zhang is a contemporary artist working in Vancouver, Canada and San Francisco, USA. Born of Chinese descent, Zhang is focusing on examining conceptual topics such as location, dystopias and identity. This is due to Zhang's experience of moving 20 times, between 3 countries, China, Australia and Canada, and going to 10 different elementary schools. Zhang’s work is interdisciplinary and international.
Zhang is also determined to live a minimalistic lifestyle as an art project.
BFA , University of British Columbia, VANCOUVER, 2012
Fine Arts Exchange Program, Fudan University, SHANGHAI, 2010
Selected Exhibitions:
Mesh, UBC Visual Arts Student Association Exhibition, VANCOUVER, 2012
Anasthetics, Gam Gallery, VANCOUVER, 2011
Under the Sky, K Zhang Art Studio, VANCOUVER, 2011
Generation One, Vancouver Asian Heritage Society, VANCOUVER, 2011
Effects Become Causes, University of British Columbia AHVA Library Gallery, VANCOUVER, 2011
Identiverse, University of British Columbia Asian Centre, VANCOUVER, 2011
Hands, Fudan University Faculty Show, SHANGHAI, 2010
Identities and Differences, Alma Mater Society Gallery, VANCOUVER, 2009
Children’s Art Exhibition, Burnaby Art Gallery, BURNABY, 2000
Public Collections:
Yellow Flowers, Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre, VANCOUVER
Press / Publications
The Great Outdoors, This Great Society Magazine, December 2011
Chinese Canadian Artists, Magazine 26, Fairchild TV, 2011
Art-Related Experiences:
K Zhang Gallery, Curator, Owner, since 2011
Student Curator, Kesu' The Life and Work of Doug Cranmer, Audain Gallery, Museum of Anthropology UBC, 2011, 2012
Student Curator, Nuxalk Sun Mask, Multiversity Gallery, Museum of Anthropology UBC, 2011, 2012
Student Curator, Nuxalk Sun Mask, Seattle Art Museum, 2011, 2012
Fundraising Manager, UBC BFA 2012 Grad Show, 2011, 2012
Multimedia Team Volunteer, Coastal Church, 2011
Auction Volunteer, Western Front Society Artist-run-center, 2011
Exhibition Coordinator for Show at the Alma Mater Society Gallery, 2009
Teacher, Summer Art Camp, Vancouver School Board, 2007, 2008
Forensic Photographs Archive Assistant, Vancouver Police Museum, 2006
Awards:
The People's Choice Award, Generation One Art Exhibition, Vancouver Asian Heritage Society, 2011
Go Global International Learning Programs Award, University of British Columbia, 2009
President's Entrance Scholarship, University of British Columbia, 2008
Government of British Columbia Millennium Scholarship, 2008
Vancouver District Fine Arts Scholarship, 2008
