Evolution of a master

Zhang Xiaogang presents his latest work at his Beijing solo show. [Photo by Zhang Wei/China Daily]

"As the longest-lasting contemporary Chinese artist, Zhang constantly retains the stimulation from those elements that he had feelings for," echoes Leng, the curator. "He doesn't narrow down to a specific direction, but expresses his sentiments on canvas as much as he can."

Although religiously unaffiliated, Zhang does believe there is a certain divinity existing in the world, which becomes manifest in fine art.

"When an artist can't explain why he or she expresses in a specific way, that's the divinity of fine art," he says.

During the last decade Zhang describes himself as "painstaking and split". In that time, he has held eight solo exhibitions and tried different art approaches such as text and sculpture.

Overwork eventually led to severe heart disease and bypass surgery in 2010.

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Since then, the artist has given up alcohol, smoking and coffee to cope with his fragile health. By making these lifestyle changes, Zhang says he can work continuously for 10 hours.

He has even assembled a morning exercise group on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, with netizens from all over China. At the opening ceremony of Zhang's latest solo exhibition, the group members came to Beijing and met in reality for the first time.

With assistance from his contract gallery, Pace Beijing, the artist says he can concentrate solely on creation instead of extending a legacy. In 2013 the artist will present solo exhibitions at Pace Gallery shows in New York and London.

But Zhang admits that the huge success of the Big Family series has been overshadowing his later growth - a burden if not an outright curse.

"But that's the fate of being an artist. I have already been very lucky and happy," Zhang stresses in his consistently moderate tone. "Now my biggest wish is to improve every year, even if only a little bit."

Contact the writer at zhangzixuan@chinadaily.com.cn.

If you go

10 am-6 pm, daily except Monday, until Feb 28. Pace Gallery Beijing, 798 Art Zone, 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5978-9781.

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