Zhang Shengquan (Chinese: 张盛泉), also known as Datong Da Zhang(Chinese: 大同大张), was a prominent figure in Chinese contemporary art, known for his performance art on topics of isolation and struggle. He was one of the main members in art group W·R group.[1][2]
Zhang Shengquan | |
|---|---|
| 张盛泉 | |
| Born | 1955 Hebei, China |
| Died | 2000 (aged 44–45) |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Other names | Dazhang(大张), Datong Dazhang(大同大张) |
| Known for | Performance art |
Early life and art career
editZhang was born in 1955 in Hebei Province. In 1970, he enlisted in the military in Yunnan. After his four years' military service, Zhang went back to Datong and began working in a bank, meanwhile he started to explore various artistic disciplines, including vocal music and painting, and delved into art history and philosophy. In the late 1980s, he formed art group W·R group in Datong, which was known for its outdoor exhibitions.[3] The group's work often touched on themes of life and struggle, reflecting Zhang's intense and sometimes controversial approach to art.
In 1989, Zhang and his group gained some attention for their unsanctioned participation in the First Modern Art Exhibition in China.[4] Despite their efforts, the group struggled to gain recognition and acceptance within the contemporary art circles in Beijing.[5]
Throughout the 1990s, Zhang continued his exploration in various art forms, including painting, installation art, performance art, and poetry. He began a practice he termed "Mail Art," where he sent sketches and ideas to artists and critics across the country, seeking engagement and dialogue.
In 2000, at the age of 45, Zhang ended his life in what he described as his final act of performance art. Influenced by a fortune-teller's prediction, this action at this time point had been recorded in Zhang's early art works. After his death, his poems, installation proposals, and notes were meticulously compiled and published by Art critic Wen Pulin.[6]
Selected exhibitions
edit- 1986 – Datong, China - Datong Museum - My world - Oil Painting Exhibition (Group) [7]
- 1993 – Beijing, China – Ammonal Gallery, W·R Group '93 Exhibition [8]
- 2009 – Beijing, China – The Wall Museum, The Journey Through Death --WR Group Retrospective Exhibition [9][10]
- 2015 – Shanghai, China – Power Station of Art, Datong Dazhang[11]
References
edit- ^ "Zhang Shengquan". Chinesenewart. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Fang, Liu (2016). "大同大张：我一生都在寻找敌人". Caixin. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Zhang, Zhongjiang (2009-02-13). "WR小组："八五新潮"之外的一种存在". Chinanews. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Zhu, Jieshu. "他在千禧年之际结束了自己的生命，这个展览讲述他的故事". The Paper ∙ Art Review. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "张盛泉（大同大张）". Art Link Art. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Shanghai Power Station of Art / Wen Pulin Chinese Avant-Garde Art Archives (2015). Datong Dazhang (大同大张). China Academy of Art Press (中国美术学院出版社). ISBN 9787550310209.
- ^ Shen, Fangzhou (2016-01-05). "缅怀这个艺术殉道者 呼唤久违的艺术真理". Huangpu News. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "W·R Group '93 Exhibition, W·R 小組 '93 分享展". ASIA ART ARCHIVE. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "《穿越死亡》——WR小组回顾展". Art China. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Liu, Jun. ""穿越死亡"WR小组回顾展". Art Forum. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Szehin Ho, Daniel. "Datong Dazhang: The Way Out for Small-Town Art Youth". RanDian. Retrieved 28 January 2024.