The exhibition’s title - “Hunting Ground” – was chosen by Zhang Shujian himself, "According to a Chinese historian, our society today is actually a collection of Machiavellianists and their prey, so based on this relationship between predator and prey, I wanted to call my show ‘Hunting Ground’."
The works sharply reflect the interpretation of Chinese characteristics and the day-to-day encounters of real life .In Zhang Shujian’s works the fine details are particularly moving: the piercing eyes, the grinning mouth, the grainy skins and the symbolic symbolism of the subjects’ poses and gestures, which, overall, visually and significantly create an alternative work. With regards to the materials, we cannot dub them “oil paintings on canvas”, since all these works are painted on board instead. "I used to create oil paintings, now I’d rather use mixed media, acrylic at the bottom, covered with toner, maybe a little bit oil on the top, the rest are all different carrier oil."
Thorough preparation is part of his immovable routine. "I am not very productive, and my energy is limited, so I try to be more efficient." The way he models the characters reflects the visual perception and taste of the Chinese Race.
"It not only refers to traditional aesthetic, but also mirrors the general condition of people nowadays. I’m deeply involved in our society, and I choose to face whatever I encounter positively rather than trying to escape from it."
