ping zheng

I was born in China, the third daughter in a traditional patriarchal family, shaped by constraints of the government's one-child policy. Growing up in the less developed northern region, I found my freedom of expression stifled by familial restrictions and the rigid conformity demanded by schools. 

Art became my refuge, offering a sanctuary where I could transcend my challenging reality ​​and freely express my thoughts and emotions. Through art, I discovered diverse perspectives and ventured into a world beyond my constraints. I recognize that my upbringing, marked by limitations and uniformity, may be challenging for others to grasp. Nature provided solace and a sense of universality amidst my childhood struggles, fostering freedom and tranquillity.

My artistic journey revolves around the use of oil sticks on paper, enabling an unfiltered connection between color and surface without the intermediary of a brush. My early art education in China emphasized strict adherence to foundational techniques, stifling my creativity. The brush, laden with past echoes, limited my expressive freedom.

In contrast, the oil stick resonates with the large crayons of my kindergarten days. Guided by intuitive creativity, I create lines and shapes, allowing them to direct the artistic process. This medium nourishes my artistic spirit, fostering creative liberation and unrestrained expression.