WANXIN ZHANG

“Fahrenheit”
Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco
Through January 20, 2018

What the Gallery Says: “Wanxin Zhang was born in ChangChun, China, and spent his formative childhood years under Mao’s regime during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was part of the first young generation to receive a formal art education in college after the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976, graduating in 1985 from the Sculpture program from the LuXun Academy of Fine Art. Zhang relocated to California in 1992.”

Why It’s Worth a Look: Drawing on both the lore and history of his native China and Bay Area funk art, Zhang’s edgy and accomplished new ceramics are full of surprising details and enigmatic flourishes.

What It Looks Like:

Installation view of “Wanxin Zhang: Fahrenheit.” Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Mulan (2017). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Grandpa (2016). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Grandma (2016). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Teapot Without Handle (2016). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Installation view of “Wanxin Zhang: Fahrenheit.” Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang,  Construction Zone (2017). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (2017). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang,
Figure with Black Face (2016). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Figure with Decals (2016). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Burning Bridge II (2017). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Sub Panda (2012). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Figure Maquette with Panda Head (2001). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, Jiang and San I (2017). Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.

Wanxin Zhang, “Bricks from Wall” series. Image courtesy Catharine Clark Gallery.