Zhao Bandi Solo-Exhibition
2006-10-26 14:08

PRESS RELEASE

ShanghART Gallery & H-Space

Zhao Bandi Solo-Exhibition: Dec. 16 – Jan. 20, 2006

Opening Reception: Dec. 16, 5.00-7.00 pm 2006

ShanghART Gallery is proud to present solo-exhibition by Zhao Bandi (b. 1966). Zhao Bandi’s practice encompasses photography, video and performance with issues of concern to contemporary society.

Zhao Bandi has made his reputation with staged scenarios where he and his toy panda play out everyday situations. Sometimes these consist of scenes from the life of a single father. Other times, the panda assumes the role of partner and lover. The panda is treated and acts as a ‘real’ character with a voice of its own that appears as speech bubbles in the photos. The toy panda becomes a spokesperson, allowing the artist to touch upon challenging issues and messages with an appealing sense of humor.

Zhao Bandi is brilliant at both playing with and being played by the media culture. The works are humorous, subversive, critical and seductive. Addressing the idea of media and mass reproduction, Zhao Bandi suggests that the boundary between image and reality has broken down. He emphasizes the images’ potential for transformation, but also the power of the manipulating gesture: it takes so little to change the value and significance of an image.

Zhao Bandi was born in 1966 in Beijing, where he lives and works. He graduated from the Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1988. Since 1993, his works have been shown at international exhibitions, including the Sydney Biennale (1998), 48th Venice Biennale (1999), 1st Guangzhou Triennale (2002) and the 5th AsiaPacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (2006). His project “Zhao Bandi & Panda” has been on public display in Shanghai, Milan, London and elsewhere.

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