Dreaming With: Xu Zhen®️

In the lead up to the Triennial opening, our Dreaming With Q&A series provides an exclusive glimpse into the artists’ lives and studios.

Where have you been during the lockdown?
Shanghai.

Is there anything you have found yourself cooking a lot of, and if so, would you be open to sharing the recipe with our readers?
Hot water.

What are you reading?
WeChat.

What music are you listening to?
Everyone’s nagging.

Have you seen any particularly good digital exhibitions in the past few months?
Exhibition photos on Instagram.

What do you find yourself working on most during quarantine?
Rest.

How has your studio practice changed in recent months?
Nothing changed.

Have you created any art in response to the pandemic?
No.

What artists most inspire you?
Young artists.

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the upcoming inaugural Asia Society Triennial?
Confidence brought by gathering, unity, and common expectation.

What do you most want viewers to take away from experiencing your work in the Triennial?
No matter what happens (such as a pandemic). Culture is the most important thing at last.

Has your perspective as an artist changed in the midst of the pandemic?
The pandemic has accelerated our original understanding.

Are there any fun facts about your practice you would like to share with readers?
The opening of an exhibition during the pandemic was much less crowded. It’s kind of another experience of viewing an exhibition.