Zhan Wang's "Urban Landscape"

Urban Landscape

　　Zhan Wang is an artist of the “middle way,” using this methodology to interpret China’s urban culture and intellectual changes. He venerates traditional culture, but also uses traditional forms to “re-make” modern art. His works contain a strong design sensibility, and his Artificial Rocks and Urban Landscapes have proven themselves strong in terms of technique, concept, material and spirit.

　　Urban Landscape

　　This provocative and stimulating installation by Beijing-based sculptor Zhan Wang features a miniaturized mountain city aglow in a surreal aura of light. Expect the unexpected: the skyscrapers and buildings are formed using stainless steel pots and pans and other seemingly demure utensils, artificial stainless steel rock sculptures flank the city in austere silence. The effect of this constructed metropolis is mesmerizing; however, in his installation, Wang seeks to question the relationship between modern cities in China, the continuing project of Westernized urbanization and, hence, the subsequent demolition of Chinese tradition.

　　Artist Statement

　　As someone who has lived all his life in Beijing, I have seen this regime demolishing non-stop. They don’t let you choose a place and make it special and meaningful; sooner or later, they will take it down. By trying to reach a level of western-oriented modernization, we are destroying the continuity of our own tradition. -Zhan Wang