The Pace Gallery’s two Chelsea locations are presenting a collection of works by Chinese artist Zhang Xiaogang. For his second show at The Pace Gallery in New York, Xiaogang unveils bronze sculptures ranging in size from six inches to more than five feet tall. He personifies these sculptures so that they shine with a youthful and idealistic appearance, by covering each one using a special glaze popular in ancient Egyptian times. One historic figure portrayed in these sculptures is the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, who comes alive with her striking features and facial expressions.
The four new oil paintings Xiaogang offers in the show depict scenes of domestic family life, including one of a father and his young daughter and a mother and her young son, all with expressions on their faces suggesting they are all deep in thought at the moment. Another painting titled White Shirt and Blue Trousers, illustrates those two articles of clothing folded neatly on a bed. A branch of plum blossoms and the plug to a lamp are also seen spread out on the bed.
The plum blossom represents a traditional element of Chinese painting and the plug of the light bulb is intended as a symbol to modern life. Xiaogang studied at the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts, Chongqing in graduating in 1982. He has since established himself as one of the most highly respected Chinese contemporary painters known for his figurative works investigating the human psyche and drawing on his memories of the Cultural Revolution.
At The Pace Gallery’s two Chelsea locations, 508 W. 25th St., and 510 W. 25th St., through April 27. Both locations are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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