Helen Zhu
Helen Zhu
Everything and Nothing
110×92cm acrylic on canvas
Helen Zhu’s practice incorporates the Western aesthetic of abstract expressionism with traditional Chinese calligraphy. This dialogue between cultures speaks to Helen’s personal experience of diaspora as a Chinese born Australian. Working with acrylics, Zhu manipulates the medium with a spontaneous and almost aggressive calligraphic energy. Despite not being trained in traditional calligraphy, Helen uses this to her advantage. The abstraction of calligraphy modernises the traditional art form, creating a raw and powerful representation of Zhu’s constant anxiety to find a sense of belonging.
Helen Zhu
First Strike
100×100cm acrylic on canvas
Helen Zhu CV
born 2000 Sydney, Australia
Education
2019 – 2021 National Art School, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Exhibitions
2022 小宝 Little Treasure, Solo Show, Robin Gibson Gallery, Sydney
2022 BFA Graduation Show, National Art School, Sydney, Australia
2021 Library Stairwell Gallery #FF96B4, National Art School, Sydney, Australia
2019 ARTEXPRESS 2019, Hazelhurst Art Gallery, Sydney, Australia
Curatorial and Studio Projects
Forthcoming 2023 – Artist Residency, Studio KURA, Fukuoka, Japan
2021 – China Cultural Center, Gallery assistant and event planner
2020 Studio assistant for Phaptawan Suwannakudt, RE al-Re-g(l)ory
