“Romanticism is precisely situated neither in choice of subject, nor exact truth, but in the way of feeling.” – Charles Baudelaire

The quote from the French poet Charles Baudelaire perfectly sums up Zhang Ruo Yu’s character and his attitude towards his creations. Zhang sets about seeking a thread, a theme, a style, in the realm of myths and legend, something that gives free rein to a sense of romanticism. He weaves from that thread intimate works of bronze that capture subtle depths of emotions and a sense of aspiration towards the infinite.

Zhang has a wry sense of humour, as his Stray Dogs series attest Yet there is always a thoughtfulness and subtle melancholy to Zhang’s creations and a recognition that at the heart of all romanticism is suffering.

1978 Born in Changsha, Hunan
2001 Graduated from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, China
Worked for Guangzhou Sculpture Development Pte Ltd after graduation
2006 Obtained his Master’s degree from the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University, China. Studied under Professor Wei Xiaoming
Currently working on rack sculpture and environmental sculpture projects

Member of China Sculpture Institute
Member of China National Arts and Crafts Society
Member of the Association of Asian Contemporary Sculptors