Zhang Ji

Biography

Zhang Ji (b. 1978, China) is a contemporary artist living and working in Beijing. He earned his master’s degree from the Mural Painting Department at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2008.

Zhang’s practice merges ancient symbolism with a contemporary sensibility, reinterpreting architectural motifs rooted in religious and ritualistic traditions through abstract painting. Rather than employing traditional brushstrokes, Zhang introduces intricate reliefs, exploring a visual language that challenges conventional painting techniques. His approach, akin to physical experimentation, distils a form of painting that transcends traditional boundaries.

In addition to his formal academic training, Zhang conducted extensive field research at archaeological sites and museums. His artistic exploration has been deeply influenced by his travels to Dunhuang, where he studied the murals of the renowned Thousand Buddha Caves, as well as visits to significant religious architectural sites around the world. These experiences, often documented through photography and sketches, serve as a foundation for his work.

Zhang’s artistic vision is further shaped by a profound sociological engagement with religious art, as well as the influence of Western modernism. From the conceptual innovations of Marcel Duchamp and Piero Manzoni to the radical experimentation of 1960s New York conceptualism, these diverse influences inform his distinctive practice, positioning him at the intersection of tradition and contemporary abstraction.

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