This contemporary artwork features a minimalist composition with a central portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong displayed on a metal frame structure. The predominantly black-and-white image captures Mao's stern expression, reflecting his iconic status as the founding leader of the People's Republic of China. The assemblage incorporates various found objects, such as books and electronic devices, suggesting a commentary on the historical significance and widespread influence of Mao's political ideology. The artwork's style and multimedia approach exemplify the artist's engagement with themes of power, propaganda, and the complex sociopolitical landscape of modern China. ...
Zazzaro Otto graduated in 2016 from the Universität der Künste (Berlin), where he was awarded the Preis der Ursula-Hanke-Förster-Stiftung in 2016 and the Bernhard-Heiliger Stiftung prize in 2018.
His artistic practice explores themes related to social hierarchies, labor alienation, and other issues that characterize the precariousness of both contemporary and historical contexts. Through the use of post-war salvaged materials, textiles, and bronze work, his choice of objects and media gains new meanings, inviting the viewer to shift their perspective. With a touch of lightness and irony, Z. Otto’s works highlight the complexities of the multifaceted contemporary world.
His work has been showcased in numerous international institutions and project spaces, including Kunsthaus Dahlem (Berlin, Germany), Art Stays Festival (Ptuj, Slovenia), Kunstraum Kreuzberg Bethanien (Berlin, Germany), Westpol (Leipzig, Germany), Mediterranea 18 Young Artist Biennale (Tirana, Albania), 20qm (Berlin Art Week 2018), Rinomina (Paris, France), Sadnaot HaOmanim (Tel Aviv, Israel), and the Triennale di Milano (with Chezplinio).
Over the years, he has founded several initiatives, including the Schwanzo Kollektiv (Berlin, 2012–present), EinMal Temporary Gallery (Modena, 2014–2016), and CHEZPLINIO (Milan, 2022–present). ...
