This minimalist artwork features the word "DOCENT" in large, bold typography against a plain white background. The visual elements are simple, with the black letters creating a striking contrast against the stark white space. The prominent and centered placement of the text suggests that the word itself is the primary subject matter, emphasizing its meaning and significance. The style is modern and straightforward, reflecting a conceptual approach that focuses on the communicative power of language. This piece may comment on the role of the docent, or museum guide, in interpreting and mediating art for the public. ...
Nathan zhou (b.1980, Dongguan, China) currently lives and works in Shanghai. Before his full-time professional art career began in 2014, Zhou worked as a translator, a cocktail mixer, a gallery staff as well as an editor at the magazine Art World. Known for his changeful colors and strong contrast, he likes to layer imagery from his everyday hobbies on the canvas. These include music, films, soccer, and arcade games. His instinctive methodology points to his life experiences, creating a forceful space for the imagination.
His works have been featured at various institutional group exhibitions include SNAP Shanghai (2019), Sifang Art Museum (Nanjing, 2018), chi K11 Art Museum (Shanghai, 2016), Power Station of Art (Shanghai, 2016); MOCA Shanghai (2016); CAFA Museum of Art ((Beijing, 2015); Himalayas Museum (Shanghai, 2015); among others.
His recent solo exhibitions include: A Steady Heart, VERRE LIQUIDE (Hangzhou, 2024); The Sound of Nature, AIKE (Shanghai, 2023); Henri Chinaski’s Short Stories Collection 2-William.Marlowe.Te Borring Balls, Tabula Rasa Gallery (Beijing, 2021); Just Hang Out, Breathe, Till I Die, chi K11 art space (Guangzhou, 2019); STREET DOG, AIKE Gallery (Shanghai, 2018); Ghost Dog: The Way of The Lofi King, Tabula Rasa Gallery (Beijing, 2017); Henri Chinaski’s Short Stories Collection, Aike Dellarco (Shanghai, 2016); etc.
...
Tabula Rasa Gallery is based in Beijing's 798 art district. Established in 2015, it aims to promote both Chinese and international contemporary artists through exhibitions, talks, research and publication. The gallery name is Latin for 'blank state'. In philosophical discourse, it refers to the idea that our knowledge comes from our experiences and education, all participants are born in a Tabula Rasa state. Tabula Rasa hopes that the exhibitions they present can subvert viewers’ preconceptions, creating conditions for fresh artistic experiments. ...
