Peng Zhang on painting and water (pollution)

“My sister and brother studied art, so I am influenced by them. They always shared something about art with me, bringing me to art exhibitions. Because of them, I fell in love with painting. In 2008, I started my bachelor at the China Academy of Art. In 2015 I finished my master there. They supported me in studying in Holland, so I applied for many art academies in Holland some months ago, which were recommended by my tutors. Then I searched online for them, finding Fine Art at AKV St. Joost is more about practice and skill than others and that’s why I chose it. My friends are also studying and designing there, so they told me a lot about the academy.”

Water (pollution)

“Right now I am researching ‘water.’ This is about real water and about a culture about water. In China, there are many famous ink paintings with many ‘water’ elements in them. They are like a graceful lady. In Chinese transitional culture, there are many special thoughts and ideas about water. I started to research water two years ago, just focussing on artificial sides of water. I used acrylic paint to draw on canvas like in Chinese ink paintings. Now I plan to research ‘water’ from different angles and try to use different artificial ways to make my work. First, I start with physical water, researching the theme environment pollution. My home country has a serious problem with polluted water, so I am making some videos and images about that. Eventually I will project them on white foam during Cultuurnacht hoping that the audience understands my meaning and idea.”

“I want to grow as an artist without too much stress. I want to live in a quiet space and make works that I want to make, in freedom. Holland is the best place for me to be as an artist in the future. Dutch people love art, so I will try to stay here for a long time after graduation.”

Peng Zhang (China)