Interview: Liang Zhang
Luca Curci talks with Liang Zhang during Venice International Art Fair 2020 at The Room Contemporary Art Space

Most of my works have a relation to nature or dealing with the relation between nature and human. Although human is part of nature, we are different from any other species since we use more tools than them, so that we can have better control of things around us. And I would like to say that’s the contrast between body and mind, organic and artificial, and controlled and uncontrolled. I put most of my vigor on making sculptures and installations, which addresses issues related to the strict regulations and the softness of nature in contemporary society. As I am interested in combing organism and the precise grid system together and the effects of these systems on individuals, I found that the format is not limited to three-dimensional objects, but also the flatter appearance as we can see on screen and paper. This series of work is aimed to transform and simplify a stereo idea into a highly concentrated surface.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Liang Zhang – Since time immemorial art has been a powerful impetus to the lasting development of the humanity, as it has encompassed state-of-the-art ideas that have been the driving force of our civilization. Artists have performed an essential role in unraveling the secrets of the Universe and showing the subtleties and nuances of our multi-faceted world to other people. I have always craved to fire people’s imagination through depicting my ideas on canvas, and I would like to devote my life to this realm.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
LZ – I use unglazed ceramics and thread as medium, both on canvas and as sculpture. I’m current working on a series of 24 x 72 inches work related to LA traffic.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
LZ – The most challenging part would be the testing and firing stage. Different temperatures and humidity will create different outcome to my ceramic works. As precise and logical is part of my work, it is important for me to experiment and record every details when creating.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
LZ – Yes and No. Every series is focused on a different theme, but the main and general consideration of my work is related to pattern making, and de-margin the machines and human body.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
LZ – My style hasn’t been changed in 3-4 years, current practice is what I found the most interesting and exciting style for me.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?
LZ – I showed 4 small works of landscapes in the art festival. For me, canvas is the space, and the ceramics is the body, and thread is a medium connected to each other. The three elements can not work well when divided. When I am using non-flat ceramics on a flat canvas, I’m also playing with the space and body.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
LZ – Yes, I think the devisions of the festival is nice considered. The works share similarities and have their own features simultaneously.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
LZ – It’s a great opportunity to share my work with Europe audience. Everything from deciding to show thru the fair is on is smooth and well communicated.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
LZ – Yes. Itsliquid Group is bridge and platform connecting artists and the audiences.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
LZ – The service is awesome, everything works well. I am based in the US, and this year is tough for me to go to Venice in person to attend the fair, so I would like to see more posts on Instagram or other online mediums, and if it is possible, I would like to see artists features and portals online.