Liang Zhang
Liang Zhang is a contemporary artist who uses clay and ceramic as her main media. Liang currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. She got BA in interdisciplinary Visual Arts from University of Washington, Seattle, WA in 2015, and MFA in fine arts from Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angels, CA in 2018.
Liang Zhang's work has been exhibited in galleries and institutions in the United States, Italy, Austria, Germany and Japan, including solo exhibitions at ARTIFACT, PROXY Gallery, and 4C Gallery. She is the winner of the American Art Elite Award by BYAA collective in 2024; and she received the gold award at The 22nd Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition held in Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in 2023; and the first place winner of 2019 LA Artcore 5th Annual Juried Exhibition. Several of her works have been published on Asian Pacific American Heritage Calendar and Culture Guide and Salann Magazine; and interviewed by LA Artcore Gallery, Voyage LA, ITSLIQUID and etc.
As an artist, I find inspiration in the most ordinary aspects of our lives, extracting meaning and symbolism from everyday experiences. In my work, titled "This Weekend," I explore the communal and unifying nature of hotpot dining, translating this concept into a captivating ceramic art work.
"This Weekend" comprises a set of ceramic hotpot, including a duo pot, four sets of dinnerware, and an array of dishes. The hotpot, a vessel for communal dining, has always held a special place in my heart, reminding me of joyous gatherings with friends. It serves as a vessel of diversity, where everyone can immerse themselves in their favorite ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Beyond its culinary appeal, I perceive hotpot as a metaphor for our society. In its essence, hotpot brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences into one shared broth. Similarly, our society is a melting pot of different cultures, races, and perspectives. The ceramic hotpot, each unique in its design, represent the individuality of each person, while the shared broth symbolizes the collective experience we undergo in our society.
As the ingredients in the hotpot meld and infuse, they create a harmonious flavor that transcends the sum of its parts. Likewise, within our society, the convergence of distinct individuals leads to the emergence of a shared identity, a unique blend that fosters unity and coexistence.Yet, the beauty of "This Weekend" lies not only in the sameness of flavor but in the celebration of diversity. Just as every ingredient in the hotpot maintains its distinct flavor and texture, so do the individuals in our society.
Through this artwork, I aim to celebrate the idea that unity does not necessitate uniformity. Instead, it is the acceptance and appreciation of our differences that enrich our collective experience. In "This Weekend," I invite viewers to immerse themselves in the communal spirit of hotpot dining and reflect on the dynamic interplay of society. Embracing the philosophy that unity lies in diversity, my hope is that this art installation sparks conversations about inclusivity, understanding, and the importance of coming together to create a more vibrant and compassionate world.