In my work, I focus on the subject of everyday life, as well as its psychological influence in today's society. I try to go beyond the ordinary by representing the contradictions and connections of American and Chinese cultures and lives in a realistic approach, yet with the surrealistic concept.

Culture and Nature is the one of my Graphite & Watercolor series, which I have been working on since 2005. The concept for this series is about the conflicts between cultures, histories and life experiences. Life is full of mystery, implication and subtlety even though it seems simple and routine everyday. Extraordinary happens out of the ordinary in every moment of our lives, and the tiny particle magnifies the profundity of life.

Culture and Nature itself took me two months to complete.  It is based on Hong Zhang's 2003 outdoor installation at the artists‚ residency in Skowhegan.  By combining the old school desk with the growing out tree branches, it is the metaphor for interweaving of the learning journey with the flourish of nature.

born: 1963, Shenyang, China

education

Central Institute of Nationalities, Beijing China  MFA 1988
Central Institute of Nationalities, Beijing China  BFA 1985
The Affiliated High School of LuXun Academy of Fine Arts, Shenyang China

selected awards/honors

Juror's Choice Award. 32nd Art on Paper, Maryland Federation of Art.  Maryland. 2009
Award of Merit. Brave Destiny, Williamsburg Art & Historical Center. New York 2003
Publishing Award. Chelsea Global 2003 Museum Curated Competition. New York 2003
Award of Third Place, National Oil Painting Exhibition 1993. Museum of Fine Arts. Beijing 1993

selected publications

The Select Artwork of Modern Masters-The art of Ling Y. Zhang. The Workers Publishing House of China. Beijing China 2005
Mask-IX, Self Portrait. Art Acquisitor, New York 2004
New paintings by Ling Y. Zhang. China Art, Beijing China 2003
The Intricate Game, The Contemporary Art in China-III/Pop Art, Beijing China 1999

selected solo or two-person exhibits

Arts & Culture Center. Barcelona, Spain 2003
Sylvia Schmidr Gallery, New Orleans 2003
City Exhibition Center, La Croix Valmer, France 2002
Callanwolde Fine Art Center, Atlanta 1994

selected group shows

32nd Art on Paper. Maryland Federation of Art. Maryland 2009
12th International Open. WomanMade Gallery, Chicago 2009
Home Room-II AAWAA, New York 2007
3 sisters Exhibition. Sakata Gallery, Sacramento 2004