Zhang Yonghe, born in 1960 in Xinjiang, currently lives in Beijing. He has held numerous solo exhibitions in Xinjiang, Beijing, Shanghai, and Barcelona, Spain, and is one of the earliest artists in Xinjiang to engage in contemporary art.

 

Yonghe Zhang's artistic creations are inspired by the surviving murals, Buddha statues, and architectural elements found at the sites of Miran, Niya, and Damagou in Xinjiang, China. These sites were once thriving oases where Eastern and Western cultures intersected and fused. Particularly, the "Winged Angel" and related paintings unearthed at the Miran site, which have distinct Greek and Roman styles akin to Gandhara art, showcase the "aura of classical art." The image of the "Winged Angel" provided the most direct visual reference for Yonghe Zhang's painting subjects.

 

With a more personal perspective, Yonghe Zhang reconstructs these ancient artistic symbols in a surreal manner. He allows these winged "angel" figures to transcend the realm of archaeology in his works, presenting a romantic expression based on historical facts. His paintings resemble non-static narratives, where interactions between "angels" and strange creatures, fishermen fishing in torrents, clouds raining, and smoking volcanoes become scenes of the "past" in his imagination.

 

"Niya" is a space constructed from the past, memories, and fantasies, delving into the essence of human emotions and the spiritual world. The "Winged Angel" flies out from the fragments of history, meeting the viewers with vivid postures. Through these works, Yonghe Zhang not only demonstrates his profound understanding of history and culture but also presents us with a new "Joyland."

 

2024 “NIYA” Solo Exhibition,Gaotai Gallery,Urumqi,China

2020 "Breathe Again -Group Exhibition, Lingang Contemporary Art Museum, Shanghai, China

2019 "Tianshan Scrolls: Silk Road Changji" Oil Painting Long Scroll Exhibition, Temple of Heaven Museum, Beijing, China

2019 First Yuanmingyuan International Cultural and Art Festival, Group Exhibition, No. 21 Art Zone, Beijing, China

2019 Permanent Collection Exhibition, Group Exhibition, Lingang Contemporary Art Museum, Shanghai, China

2016 "Belt and Road" Cultural and Art Exhibition, Group Exhibition, Lingang Contemporary Art Museum, Shanghai, China

2014 "A Believer's Narrative" Zhang Yonghe Solo Exhibition, Li Shan Studio, Shanghai, China

2014 Xinjiang International Art Biennale, Xinjiang, China

2013 "Upward - Xinjiang Oil Painting Academic Exhibition," Xinjiang Museum, Xinjiang, China

2010 Zhang Yonghe Solo Exhibition, 55 Gallery, Shanghai, China

2009 "Our Xinjiang is a Good Place," 798 Art District, Beijing, China

2009 "Tribute to the Individual: First Xinjiang Video Art Exhibition," Urumqi Art Museum, Xinjiang, China

2008 "Being a Donkey" (Video Solo Exhibition), 55 Gallery, Shanghai, China

2008 "Close Up," Heiqiao Art Museum, Beijing, China

2008 "Being a Donkey" (Video Solo Exhibition), LOOP Contemporary Video Art Fair, Barcelona, Spain

2008 "Beijing '08 Contemporary Art Exhibition," Heiqiao Art Museum, Beijing, China

2006 "Only Space" Group Exhibition, Beijing, China

2005 Zhang Yonghe Art Exhibition, Xinjiang, China

2003 "3+8 Contemporary Art Exhibition," Central Asia Art Museum, Xinjiang, China

2002 "Restart" Contemporary Art Exhibition, Xinjiang, China

2001 Xinjiang 12-Person Group Exhibition, Xinjiang, China