Zhao Bandi
dal 11/12/2006 al 19/1/2007
Segnalato da
11/12/2006
Zhao Bandi
ShanghArt H-Space, Shanghai
Bandi's practice encompasses photography, video and performance with issues of concern to contemporary society. He has made his reputation with staged scenarios where he and his toy panda play out everyday situations. Addressing the idea of media and mass reproduction, he suggests that the boundary between image and reality has broken down.
Solo-Exhibition
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.
Opening Reception: Dec. 12, 5.00-7.00 pm 2006
ShanghArt H-Space
50 Moganshan Rd. 86 - Shanghai