10 Questions with Hanzhi Zhong

Hanzhi Zhong (b. 1999) is a Chinese artist currently based in London. After finishing her MA at Kingston University in London, specializing in Illustration, she transitioned to become a freeform illustration artist. Hanzhi's artistic practice encompasses painting, printmaking, animation, and sculpture. Her work is deeply influenced by the impermanence of life and its profound connection to nature. Through her art, she delves into themes of life, death, and the complex array of human emotions entangled within.

hanzart.com | @hanzi_415

ARTIST STATEMENT

Hanzhi Zhong's art is a journey into the depths of the soul, weaving through various mediums such as painting and printmaking. She skillfully crafts pieces that evoke spiritual resonance, inviting viewers into poetic realms where emotions flow freely.

Often featuring the human form and skeleton, her work symbolizes a desire for deconstruction. "I attempt to strip away the flesh, touching upon the shape of the soul." Figures in her art appear contemplative, gazing into the unknown, mirroring the artist's introspection and exploration of life's meaning. Her creations transcend boundaries, exploring the interconnectedness of all beings with nature. Through meticulous detail and profound symbolism, Hanzhi's art captures life's beauty and complexity, leading viewers on a journey of self-discovery and connection with the infinite.

Mahavira, Risograph, 29.7x42 cm, 2022 © Hanzhi Zhong

INTERVIEW

What initially drew you to the world of art, and how has your journey evolved from studying illustration to exploring various mediums such as painting, printmaking, animation, and sculpture?

Creating art is an essential outlet for expressing my emotions and thoughts; it is a part of my life. Art serves as a conduit for conveying my myriad inspirations, often elusive in verbal form. I view artistic expression as boundless, transcending any single medium. During my exploration of illustration, I felt compelled to seek alternative avenues for nurturing my inner creativity. I perceive a symbiotic relationship between the artist's inspiration (akin to "tea") and the creative medium (akin to "teacup"). I choose mediums based on my inspiration, as finding the suitable vessel allows each idea to shine fully. Following proficiency in illustration and painting, I ventured into three-dimensional art, particularly sculpture. While modeling in 3D, I imagined these objects starting to move, which led me to take a step toward animation. I switch between different creative mediums, switching out teacups, all to better contain the tea of inspiration brewing within me.

Internal Censor 1, Monoprint, 29.7x42 cm, 2023 © Hanzhi Zhong

Are there any specific artistic techniques or materials you particularly enjoy working with? How do these choices contribute to the overall aesthetic and meaning of your pieces?

I'm particularly drawn to the evocative power of black and white imagery; these two colors evoke strong emotions within me. Their simplicity allows for the expression of complex themes with minimal elements. Delving into printmaking was a natural choice for me, as it offers a variety of techniques capable of producing striking black-and-white effects. Unlike other mediums, printmaking involves the final result being revealed only after the image is transferred onto the printing surface. This element of surprise adds an exciting dimension to my work, as the end result often differs from my initial conception, offering unexpected nuances that enrich the final piece. Printmaking's unpredictable nature is the defining touch that completes my creations.
As for my creative process, I eschew producing predictable or clichéd works. Instead, I embrace the beauty of uncertainty. Art, to me, is a fluid journey characterized by the breaking of norms, the restructuring of ideas, and the embrace of accidents. This approach mirrors the essence of my work—an ongoing exploration of self and expression. I repeatedly refine the details of each piece, akin to the incremental exploration of self-reflection within the imagery. While striving for overall visual harmony, I infuse each creation with the artist's spirit of experimentation and exploration.

Could you describe your creative process when working on a new piece of art? Do you have any rituals or practices that help you delve into the profound themes you explore?

My mind is a constant whirlwind of inspirations awaiting expression. I often browse through my daily journal, where I document subtle observations, fleeting dreams, and abstract thoughts. The process of creation is a journey of self-reflection for me. Through it, I delve into the depths of my subconscious, gradually shaping it into imagery within my artwork. Additionally, I immerse myself in various literary works, seeking connections between different themes and intriguing concepts to infuse into my art. The prospect of translating abstract ideas into tangible art forms fascinates me deeply.
When I'm struck by particular emotions or fresh insights, I'm keenly aware of the moment to infuse them into my creations. As someone who revels in exploring the depths of human experience, I find that engaging in prolonged meditation before starting a piece greatly aids in attaining a serene state of mind for creation. This practice allows me to sweep away the clutter of complexities, revealing the clear mirror of my inner self and enabling me to embody the essence of human existence without inhibition or constraint.

Internal Censor 3, Monoprint, 29.7x42 cm, 2023 © Hanzhi Zhong

Speaking of your work, how do you incorporate themes of impermanence and nature into your artwork?

In Buddhism, impermanence signifies "the constant flux of all things." It's a beautiful concept, where everything is in motion, between the blink of an eye, in the lift of a hand, in the moment a flower blooms; all is in constant change with no fixed existence. The concept of impermanence exists between you and me, within nature and in the cosmos. I've always believed that the human body is more connected to nature than we imagine. We come from nature and eventually return to it.
Trees, soil, and rivers are also impermanent in nature, and I have mixed these specific elements. Putting them together irregularly reflects the idea of the unpredictability of existence. I also use many symbolically rich Buddhist elements to explain and understand the nature of impermanence in the context. Therefore, in my creations, the uncertainties of life, the vastness of nature, and the intricacies of the human body come together to form a tapestry of mutual fusion that I envision.

In your statement, you mention using symbolism. Why do you frequently feature the human skeleton in your art? And what does it represent for you?

The skeleton embodies my yearning for self-deconstruction, symbolizing a desire to strip away the physical body and delve into the essence of the soul. I envision peeling away layers of flesh to uncover the core of existence. The skeleton represents the disappearance of outward appearance. Sometimes, we become too fixated on external influences, and our spirits are pulled away for too long, almost losing awareness of our essence. Our souls are obscured by the material realm of the outside world. Exposing the skeleton is a way for me to diminish external influences and touch upon desires for essence and depth.
Moreover, the skeleton also carries connotations of death. It is through the death that we find the meaning of life. Therefore, it prompts us to live amidst turmoil and not to forget who we are and the purpose of our lives. In contemplating the skeleton, I embark on a journey of introspection, delving into the quest to discern and comprehend the significance of life within its inherent uncertainties.

Your art captures "life's beauty and complexity," as you mention in your statement. How do you hope viewers will engage with your artwork, and what emotions or insights do you aim to evoke?

I envision my artwork as a mirror, reflecting the unique experiences and perspectives of each viewer. Art transcends singular interpretations; rather, it invites diverse reflections shaped by individual journeys. Through my creations, I express a hymn to life by offering nuanced observations of universal human emotions and contemplations on the intricacies of existence. Those who engage with my art become intertwined with it. It's a unique connection between me and the audience, a connection that penetrates the depths of emotion between one person and another.
Despite the myriad of emotions that color our lives, we share a fundamental connection as human beings. When I create from the heart, focusing on universal themes, it sparks an innate resonance within viewers, fostering a profound sense of connection and understanding. Life is beautiful and complex, and my goal is to showcase my feelings and sentiments universally felt by everyone to varying degrees. Like dropping a stone into water, my art sends ripples through the hearts of viewers, fostering a wondrous connection that transcends barriers.

As an artist, how do you navigate the balance between expressing your personal vision and connecting with your audience? Do you find any challenges or rewards in this process?

I strive to maintain a clear understanding of my creative vision and style. This involves continually exploring my inner world and ensuring that my work reflects my values and emotions authentically. Additionally, I find fulfillment in engaging in dialogue with the audience, as their genuine feedback and expectations allow my work to forge meaningful connections. I view my art as a form of sharing and communication with others.
Throughout this journey, I encounter various challenges. Balancing self-expression with meeting the audience's expectations requires careful consideration. Another challenge is handling audience feedback, especially when they have differing opinions or interpretations of my work. However, I also gain rewards from these challenges. The audience is not an abstract collective but rather composed of individual people. Engaging with each person provides valuable insights from their unique experiences, enriching my understanding of art.

Internal Censor 4, Monoprint, 29.7x42 cm, 2023 © Hanzhi Zhong

Are there any artists, movements, or cultural influences that have played a significant role in shaping your artistic style and approach?

The countercultural movement of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the Hippie movement, has deeply influenced my artistic approach. The idealistic dreams conjured by the Hippies, expressed through unrestricted means such as music, art, poetry, and free love, resonate with me deeply. I aspire to integrate these values into my work.
The narrative films of video artist Bill Viola consistently evoke spiritual awakenings, inviting viewers to contemplate and resonate with deeper meanings. His storytelling approach is imbued with spirituality, highlighting the power of art to provoke thought and emotional resonance. Furthermore, conceptual artist Luboš Plný's introspective exploration of himself and his mental illness through art has sparked my reflection and inspiration. His artistic expression is a powerful medium for delving into profound personal depths and examining the complexities of mental health. Their visionary approaches and profound insights guided me towards deeper exploration and creative expression.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for your career as an artist? Are there any new directions or projects you're excited to explore in the future?

Looking ahead, my aspirations as an artist centre on creating artwork imbued with heartfelt expression, allowing me to explore myself and communicate my spiritual awakening to those who engage with my creations. In the coming years, I aim to focus on psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, explore art therapy, and delve deeper into understanding the hidden or universal psyche. Through these explorations, I will continue to create a sense of order in the volatile world and discover the magic and beauty of life.
My approach will remain rooted in a people-centred philosophy, recognizing that human experiences are the wellspring of my inspiration and passion. Through my art, I am committed to sharing this sense of beauty and awareness with the audience and the world.

Internal Censor 2, Monoprint, 29.7x42 cm, 2023 © Hanzhi Zhong

And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

I envision myself continuing to create and explore the path of the human mental world, accumulating a body of work that reflects a clear thematic direction I have established in the next few years. Additionally, I plan to establish a studio related to art therapy, where I can host workshops to help individuals struggling with mental health issues find solace and expression through art. Through viewing my artwork or creating their own, I aim to provide a platform for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences. Therefore, I am currently using my art practice to examine the feasibility of art therapy in action, laying the groundwork for implementing this vision in the future.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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