Zhan Wang is sculptor who became known for his stainless-steel scholar’s rocks in the 1990’s.
His creations have always found their roots in the Chinese scholar tradition, myths, religion and the secular life. Zhan's work combines Taoist notions of illusion, reality and nature with an existentialist embrace of the absurd.While he is said to be a conceptualist sculptor, Zhan believes that concept cannot be formed without artistry; this idea reflects the pursuit for moderation in Chinese philosophy. The process of creation, from discovery of the rocks to their meticulous replication, reflects ancient philosopher Laozi’s notion that man cannot transcend nature. Working within nature is what distinguishes Zhan’s work from western sculptors who seek to transform nature to express them.
Much of his work can only be seen in photographs or videos because part of his concept is that some of the sculptures be permanently exhibited in unreachable destinations, which include locations such as the Eslite Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan; Long Museum West Bund, Shanghai, China; Singapore Tyler Print Institute, Singapore; Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing, China and Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, San Francisco, USA, to name a few.
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