Zhen Zhang 张圳

Wearing Symbolize metal sculptures Figure(1), Figure(2), made with Cast Iron and Jersey fabric, 2023, Zhen Zhang

Zhen Zhang 圳张 (b.1999) is a Multi-Disciplinary Artist and Designer originally from the Shenzhen of China with a specialism in Humanwear. His creation has always been committed to an authentic reflection of his primary experience and inner connection with people.

Throughout his practice, Zhen has embraced the creation of wearable art as a means to visually depict his memories and interact with the world. However, his artistic vision extends beyond the conventional boundaries of fashion, which is why he pursued a Master's degree in Fashion at the Royal College of Art. His explorations have encompassed a diverse range of themes over the past years of his career with a material-led design process including intimate relationships, family dynamics, sexuality, and the human body, through mediums such as metal, sculpture, and performance.

At the core of Zhen's artistic practice lies a commitment to authentic self-expression. With themes being developed with no boundaries set and allowing the process to translate itself into the creative output; His perspective converts from the roots of growing up in a radical development of the melting pot city called Shenzhen, and the indelible image of the female figure, particularly the role of "Mother" in his family, Zhen's work reflects a profound exploration of identity and personal narrative.

I am deeply grateful to my mentor Tristan Webber, as well as the talented individuals and wonderful friends I have met throughout my journey at the RCA.

"As Much As Figures Hugging" explores a female portrait in my family during my early years living in the melting-pot city called Shenzhen. My mother came from a small village in Chongqing called Wanzhou and migrated to Shenzhen on her own. In the 90s, many people from all over China migrated here. Almost no one was really from here originally. It was a city piled high with makeshift steel and concrete constructions. Illogical building constructions made for buildings that one could reach out and shake hands with and iron railings. My childhood was growing up in that environment, and some of the unhealthy phenomena that emerged in the family led me to believe that the built environment influenced the way people viewed the world and dealt with intimate relationships. But what I most influenced is the image of a female figure, 'Mother', fighting through life, marriage, and violence in this concrete-made city.

Growing up behind this female figure has influenced the way I look at intimacy and the way I perceive individuals. Gender and the body are not a single form but can be more unique and fluid. Softness and violence, masculinity and femininity, can all exist at the same time. The fluidity of the patterns and the clash of metals naturally fascinate me. To be wrapped up in such a shape with conflict and peace existing at the same time seems like the only way to feel at peace for me.

This is a story through my creations that reflects my memories of growing up in Shenzhen. This included the challenges I have faced, the people I met, and the places I frequented and connect with others who may have had similar experiences.

Figure (1) – Through the interplay of metal and jersey fabric, I created an immersive space that transports the wearer into my childhood memories of living in Shenzhen.

Figure (1)

Wearing Figure (1) and Figure (2)

Figure (1)

Figure (2)

Credits

Model: Huixin Hong @imredddddd

Model: Jed Gharby @jedgharbi

Medium:

Cast Iron, Jersey Fabric

Visual landscape of Shenzhen

My photograph of Shenzhen

Conversation with my mother about her life in Shenzhen

memory narratives

Primary research and analyzation of Chengzhongcun(城中村)in Shenzhen – Analyzation of a type of architecture in Shenzhen call Chengzhongcun(城中村) which is where I used to live.