10 Questions with Nan Zhao
Nan Zhao is a Chinese artist who has lived and worked in various countries, including the UK, Czech Republic, and Germany. Her multicultural background has influenced her art, which explores the themes of diversity, similarity, and unity. Nan graduated from the Beijing Institute of Technology University with a degree in Graphic Design and Craft Arts. She then worked in animation design in China before moving to the UK in 2016, where she worked as a human resources professional in a technology company. During her time in the UK, Nan became deeply inspired by contemporary art and began painting again. In 2021, she started her art career, exploring the intersection of realism and abstraction in her work. Nan's paintings are characterized by a rich use of color, layering, and abstraction, inviting viewers to think deeply about the complex emotions and relationships depicted.
Nan Zhao - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Nan Zhao's art is a reflection of her personal experiences and observations of the world around her. Drawing on her multicultural background, she explores the themes of diversity, similarity, and unity, seeking to celebrate the differences between cultures while finding common ground in human experience. Nan's paintings are characterized by a bold and vibrant use of color, often layered to create depth and texture. Her style lies at the intersection of realism and abstraction, as she seeks to convey complex emotions and relationships through abstract color blocks and lines. By freezing a certain moment in time, Nan's paintings invite the viewer to stop and contemplate the story within, to connect with the emotions and find meaning in the image. Ultimately, Nan hopes that her art will inspire people to think deeply about the world and to find hope and positivity in the face of life's complexities.
Living planet - Ocean, Acrylic on canvas, 140x180 cm, 2023 © Nan Zhao
INTERVIEW
First of all, introduce yourself to the public. How did you start getting interested in art? And how did you develop into the artist you are today?
I'm Nan Zhao, born in China in 1987. Art has always been my passion since childhood. I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design and Craft Arts at Beijing Institute of Technology University to refine my skills and explore different forms of art. I have lived in several different countries, including China, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Germany. These experiences have exposed me to various cultures and art styles, which have greatly influenced my own art style and worldview. During my time in the United Kingdom, I developed a strong interest in contemporary art, which ultimately inspired me to pursue a career as a professional artist. Today, I am an abstract painter exploring themes of diversity, unity, and similarity. My paintings often depict the relationships between people and their environment, as well as the fusion of different cultures. My artwork is a reflection of my personal experiences and observations of the world around me.
You worked in human resources for a while, before returning to painting. What inspired you to go back to art and pursue a career in this field?
I believe that art is my source of inspiration. While I enjoyed exploring different work experiences, I viewed my time in human resources as simply a supplement. Despite my achievements in that field, I always felt that something was missing. My true passion was art. Eventually, I realized that my soul needed art to express itself and communicate with the world. As a result, I have wholeheartedly returned to pursue art as my career.
Wind blowing 1, Acrylic on canvas, 90x65 cm, 2022 © Nan Zhao
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to?
My process of creating art involves a lot of experimentation and exploration. I start with a general idea or feeling, and then I allow the painting to evolve naturally as I work on it. I pay particular attention to the use of color and texture, as well as the balance of positive and negative space in the composition. I believe that color and shape can convey emotions and moods, so I focus on using them effectively in my work. I also pay attention to details and texture, as they can enhance the overall depth and complexity of the artwork.
What is the most challenging part of your work? And where do you find inspiration?
The most challenging part of my work is to create something that truly reflects my artistic vision while also resonating with the viewer. I find inspiration in nature, music, and my experiences living in different countries. I also draw inspiration from the idea of diversity and unity, and I strive to convey these themes in my paintings.
Tell us more about your abstract painting. What does it represent for you? Do you have any specific theme you want to focus on?
My abstract paintings usually represent expressions of emotions, experiences, or relationships. I hope that my works can evoke deep resonance and emotional reactions within the audience. In my abstract paintings, I often use simple shapes and bold colors to create dramatic and energetic images. At different stages, I have different themes to express. For example, last year, I created a series about the relationships between people, and my various work experiences helped me interpret this series better. Recently, I have been working on pieces that explore the relationship between humans and nature, including growth and interaction across different cultures. However, many times, I do not focus on a particular theme and instead emphasize the expression of emotions and feelings, hoping to stimulate the audience's imagination and emotional resonance.
Early spring, Acrylic and oil pastels on canvas, 100x100 cm, 2023 © Nan Zhao
Living planet - Sky, Acrylic on canvas, 140x140 cm, 2023 © Nan Zhao
What about the colors you use? Do they have a specific meaning, and how do you choose them?
As an artist, I choose colors for my paintings based on my intuition and belief that they carry certain energy and meaning. I love all colors equally, and I believe that each one has its own life and can resonate with the audience. When creating my abstract paintings, I engage in a dialogue with colors by combining, blending, and deconstructing them in order to express emotions, sensations, and themes that I want to convey. For example, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can convey feelings of passion and energy, while cooler colors like blue and green represent calmness and balance. I also enjoy experimenting with unexpected color combinations to create contrast and excitement.
Do you have a role model that you've drawn inspiration from when creating your art?
I am inspired by many artists, but I do not have one specific role model. Instead, I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including other artists, nature, music, and my own experiences.
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
Currently, I am preparing for upcoming exhibitions, including a group show at CICA Museum in Korea. Additionally, I am planning for future solo exhibitions and exploring different painting styles and mediums. In the future, I plan to delve deeper into abstract art and continue to seek out new artistic forms and techniques to further develop my artistic style. I also hope to hold more exhibitions globally and reach wider audiences with my work. In terms of career goals, I am excited about the upcoming exhibitions and events that I will be participating in. I hope to continue to grow my international presence and attract new audiences with my work.
Wind blowing 2, Acrylic on canvas, 80x65 cm, 2023 © Nan Zhao
Living planet - Land, Acrylic on canvas, 140x140 cm, 2023 © Nan Zhao
Is there anything else you would like to incorporate into your practice? Any other medium or technique you would like to tackle in the future?
I am always open to learning new things and incorporating different mediums and techniques into my practice. I am very interested in traditional Chinese crafts, such as shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, etc. I have always wanted to incorporate some traditional crafts and cultural colors into my paintings, and I have been practicing and exploring. Recently, I have been interested in exploring installation art and incorporating more three-dimensional elements into my work. I am also interested in experimenting with different materials, such as ceramics, metal, and glass. I believe that experimenting with new mediums and techniques can lead to new discoveries and help me push my artistic boundaries.
Finally, what do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal life?
In terms of my career goals, I am excited about the upcoming exhibitions and events that I will be participating in. I hope to continue to grow my international presence and reach new audiences with my work. Personally, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and friends and continuing to explore the cities I am currently living in. I also hope to dedicate more time to practicing yoga and meditation, as I find they help me stay grounded and focused in my artistic practice.
