About the artwork
Entertaining themselves with games that are now almost obsolete in modern culture, the boys in ‘Wrestling’ bring about nostalgia and appreciation of the innocence of childhood. As an artist, Zhang Jian Long strives to bring about revival and reminiscence of a lost culture- one of simplicity and the trivial pursuits of happiness. Such persuasions are seen in this particular piece, where the boys find themselves in the midst of a profoundly simple game and yet, find themselves ecstatic and joyful. The piece is thus, both a cultural commentary as well as a whimsical replay of childhood times.
About the artist
In 1982, Zhang Jian Long was born in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, and graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Nanyang Normal University, Henan Province, in 2004. His graduation art piece was published in the 2003 Annual Works of China Fine Arts Academies and he has since exhibited extensively in China. Zhang's paintings attempt to look through a child’s eyes, depicting an ideal world of innocence and joy. Free from the confines of modern society, Zhang's works show us the human spirit's full, unbridled potential while also shedding light on the constraints of modern society and 'adult' life.
Go to Zhang Jian Long's profile ›