YANG ZHENZHONG
The desire to challenge normative notions of social behavior informs the practices of Yang Zhenzhong’s work. He is preoccupied with China’s intrinsic disharmony and extreme discrepancies and often touches upon taboos such as death and out-dated social norms. His approach is metaphorical rather than narrative. His videos often start from witty ideas, employing image repetition and rhythmic coordination of sound, language and image. Yang Zhenzhong became famous in 2000 with his video (I Know) I Will Die that features short sequences in which a series of different people speak the phrase “I will die” to the camera. It is a disconcerting, soberly presented film that confronts viewers with existential questions. Yang Zhenzhong recognizes that individual participation is the starting point for a transformation of perception. The video 922 Grains of Rice plays with the interaction of the image of a cock and a chicken pecking grains of rice and the sound of a male and a female voice counting the number of pecked grains. It is a humorous representation of the battle of sexes as well a comment on today’s competitive behavior.
Let’s Puff (4th Shanghai Biennale, 50th Venice Biennial – Zone of Urgency) similarly starts from the interplay of two images: a young woman puffing and a busy street. Every time the woman breathes, the image of the street moves away from the viewer. The rhythm of the traffic and the angle of perception are altered with the rhythm of the woman’s breath. Yang Zhenzhong’s playful videos are more than visual reflections; they are intelligent comments on the design of contemporary society. In a series of photos entitled Light and Easy, he perceives the weight of urban changes as an exterior phenomenon, and literally depicts the process as a weightless factor, turning urban landmarks upside down. Light and Easy is based upon a conviction that the lightness of the isolated exterior or interior is a source of interesting material. The successful experiments the artist has executed to formulate connections are exciting, sincere and disturbing.
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