Zhao (Harry) Haisong

Artist Statement:

Most of my art is about our spiritual world as humans, the relationship between human spirits and nature, and the connection between ancient culture and contemporary cultures.  I approach my work much like crafting riddles, inviting the audience to uncover meaning through our shared experiences. My art uses a minimalist way to attempt to inspire and awaken the feelings that are already in people’s minds but that aren’t realized because modern life is distracting. We don’t have a clear mind for us to think about our life and the relationship between nature and us. Except for the concept behind my art, the most important thing about my art is the charm of the work itself. Even if the audience doesn’t understand my work, I hope they can still get the pure visual experience.

         Most of the materials I use in my artwork are natural, like ceramics, burlaps, Xuan paper, ink, and branches. Ceramics are significant to my art as they allow for boundless creativity in form, embodying the abstract elements of my work. The glaze I used for my ceramics is mostly white because I want the audience to be able to focus on the shape of my ceramic works. Burlaps matched my white ceramics very well, infusing my pieces with a sense of wildness and mystery. Xuan paper and the ink came from my love of Chinese art. While traditional Chinese paintings are often small, they convey a vast world of spirituality, so I use ink and Xuan paper to articulate the thoughts that dwell in our minds. Branches serve as a representation of nature, grounding my work in the natural world.