Photofairs Shanghai

ShanghART Gallery is pleased to present the solo exhibition of Singaporean artist Robert Zhao Renhui at Photofairs Shanghai 2024, from 25 to 28 April, booth A28. Themed It Takes Time, the exhibition features 14 works from 2010 to the present, presented chronologically, exploring nature from the perspectives of how nature is being viewed, the relationship between humans and nature, and the narratives of nature by itself.

About Seeing and to Be Seen

Robert used thermal cameras to capture the imperceptible dynamics of life in the city at night in his latest work, Things From the Heat. He has long studied the energy in nature, whether it is the interactions between different beings or competition with invisible energies such as time. He uses his perspective to get a glimpse of the greater reality of nature.Meanwhile, at the 60th Venice Biennale 2024, Robert represents Singapore to present the project Seeing Forest at the Singapore Pavilion, where the video aspects of Things From the Heat is part of a two-channel video projection work. The exhibition at Photofairs Shanghai 2024 marks the first time that the series is presented in its photographic form.

Classification

A Hole in the Sky is a triptych that documents the process of tree pruning, one of the iconic scenarios of nature management in Singapore, where a great deal of machinery and manpower is invested in pruning and relocating trees. Confronted with climate changes, the artist describes human maintenance and management as futile— “Nothing lasts forever! Our favourite flowers wither, while the weeds we loathe thrive.”

A Great Sign Appeared

Flock of Ocean Munias is a piece from the series of works Pulau Pejantan (2010). Pulau Pejantan’s unique geographical environment and abundance of species have made it a favourite of many naturalists. The artwork depicts a group of flying birds that form a recognisable pattern in the sky.

Evolved Species

In Plate 35, Rhinoceros with No Horns and Elephant That Has No Tusk, hornless rhinoceros and tuskless elephants are more likely to mate successfully and pass on their traits to the next generation, which has changed the gene pool of the animals, resulting in the evolution of hornless/tuskless populations. The artist commemorates the evolution of the species through these grotesque breaches of human norms, celebrating the lives that have survived the destruction rather than the usual repulsion towards new or invasive species.