Blossoming Fists

Paintings by Zhao Fang

Vernissage: 12 February 2009 6:30 pm - 8:30pm
Exhibition: 13 February - 10 March 2009
Venue: Main Gallery 21-31 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong

In the midst of global uncertainty and economic slowdown, Zhao Fang's oeuvre seems ever more frank and emotionally revealing. His confrontational canvases unveil the truths about power struggle, the intricate relationships between humans, as well as the opposing contradictions we face in life. His work evokes conflict of emotions through the portrayal of silent yet graceful violence in contrast to the delicate harmony, beauty and integrated equilibrium of the work. Zhao's unusual maturity for his age is reflected in his choice of subject matter and his patience in depicting the very essence of the human anatomy and its respective movements into an almost photographic representation. Schoeni Art Gallery is privileged to present Zhao Fang's second solo exhibition Blossoming Fists, as a continuation to his much acclaimed first solo, Fist Power in 2006.

Blossoming Fists will feature a collection of Zhao Fang's oil paintings from 2006 till present, including his signature pieces painted on printed woven fabrics. In Zhao Fang's recent works, such as Fist power Series No. 12 & 13, the image is placed within a circular frame, as if the viewer is looking into a binocular and zooming into the scene. In this manner, Zhao manages to create stronger dissociation of his subjects. Although scenes of still moments are captured, Zhao Fang's triptychs and quadratychs all carry a notion of reciprocation and movement, with cause and effect being an important element in his works. The unknown identity and motive behind the hands and arms provides a gap for us to contemplate from different angles. It is rather like the theory of Yin and Yang, given that we are aware of one fact - that the action and relationship between the protagonists create a perfect balance within the scene. Whether it is for offensive or self-defensive purposes, the interchangeability of their roles and strategies leaves an open metaphorical interpretation about human relationships, its violence and possible damage. Can balance and harmony only be achieved through opposing forces and contradictory notions? "I realized that when two sides are intertwined in battle there exists a subtle relationship hidden between them. In the clash between bodies there are multiple layers of metaphor containing the arcane truths of ancient Chinese society." - Zhao Fang

Zhao Fang graduated from the Jilin Academy of Fine Arts and has joined the People's Liberation Army from 1997 to 2000. His paintings are influenced by traditional Chinese kung fu, his deep knowledge and understanding of Chinese culture and perhaps his experience as a member of the army. Zhao is highly commendable not only for his impressive techniques but also for his anti-violence stance, and in 2007 he was selected as one of the 30 top finalists of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize. In Blossoming Fists, Zhao Fang will take you into a journey that will stir up our latent conflicts and emotions through his silent aesthetic sensitivity.

Click on image for an enlarged view.

Fist Power Series No. 12A Oil on Cotton Print 60 x 60 cm, 2008	Fist Power Series No. 12B Oil on Cotton Print 60 x 60 cm, 2008
Fist Power Series No. 12C Oil on Cotton Print 60 x 60 cm, 2008	Fist Power Series No. 12D Oil on Cotton Print 60 x 60 cm, 2008
Fist Power Series No. 13A Oil on Canvas 160 x 160 cm, 2008	Fist Power Series No. 13D Oil on Canvas 160 x 160 cm, 2008

For interview arrangements with the artist or the gallery director, or further information please contact Daniela Cavero.

Exhibition venue:	Main Gallery, 21 - 31 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Date:	6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, 12 February 2009
Exhibition runs:	13 February - 10 March 2009
Contact Details:	Tel: +852 2869-8802     Fax: +852 2522-1528 prmarketing@schoeni.com.hk    www.schoeni.com.hk

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