Zhang xiaogang biography sampler
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But these principles only served to repel Zhang and his peers towards western philosophy.
Depression & Alcoholism
After graduating from college, Zhang hoped to venture into teaching but was denied the chance.
The rejection hit him so hard that he fell into depression. It was during the late 1960s political disturbances historically known as the Cultural Revolution 23. Nothing can escape from their big piercing eyes.
Zhang Xiaogang uses his talent to create a sense of nostalgia in his works by employing the conventions of traditional Chinese photography.
His stylized portraits take inspiration from the Surrealist movement and maintain a formal, posed aesthetic. The denial affected him so much that he slumped into depression for about three years. I realised then that an individual is completely insignificant in the face of destiny.” - Zhang Xiaogang
Until 1997, his works could not be exhibited in China because they were considered too politically sensitive.
Today, however, he is one of the most sought-after contemporary Chinese artists both in China and abroad.
The works by Zhang Xiaogang for sale online with prices and value by Arte
If you are interested in the artist, you can find the artworks of Zhang Xiaogang for sale online on our website.
Zhang’s works reference his own early experiences, which can only be echoed by his generation. The popularity of the series became a blessing and curse as he was forced to work even harder to meet the demands of his work. Zhang tried hard to learn from western artists by analyzing their works in museums and galleries. When night dawned, groaning sounds rose above the hospital and some of the withering bodies around had gone to waste and were drifting on the brink of death: these deeply stirred my feelings.
This was in 1984. He recalls,
When I was 17, I told myself I wanted to be an artist…I felt that art was like a drug. Once you're addicted, you can't get rid of it". After I became an adult, I never gave up art. He started to collect the pieces of his life by joining a movement called New Wave 910.
They gave us a paper and crayons so we could draw at home… I gained more and more interest in art. (39⅜ x 50¾ in.)
Popularity & Market success
Soon after releasing, Bloodline received positive coverage and was exhibited worldwide, including countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, France, and Brazil.
Bloodline made Zhang Xiaogang a bestselling Chinese artist and one of the favorites for western collectors.