One of Zheng Lu's older works was shown in Art Basel 2015. (Photo : Getty Images)
Zheng Lu, a Chinese artist most known for his sculptures, is staging an exhibit on the rooftop of Parkview Green in Beijing, according to an article by China Daily. For this exhibit, Zheng focuses on the shift from conventional to contemporary.
Zheng's latest exhibit highlights the changes his art has undergone in the past years. The Chinese artist started out with simple sculptures, which then evolved into more modern pieces combined with multimedia installations.
"These tailor-made installations can't be moved to other exhibitions. From now on, I want my works to have some connection to the spaces where they are shown," said 38-year-old Zheng, whose exhibit is titled "Transition," in an interview with China Daily.
Instead of being just mere sculptures, Zheng's latest work engages audiences by interacting with the exhibition spaces and the visitors themselves, said Huang Du, a curator.
One of Zheng's works, "Rain Drum," incorporates small metal balls dropping on a waterproof film to produce a rhythm akin to the beating of a drum. The work interacts with visitors as guests will feel like they are walking in the rain once they pass underneath the installation.
"It's hard to run such installations. It needs four machines and a computer to control the space," said Zheng.
Aside from working with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zheng also employs over 40 people at his studio in suburban Beijing. Zheng often finds himself experimenting with different materials to create his next project.
"To get an idea is the easy part, but turning it into a piece is tougher. I have to experiment with an idea for a long time," Zheng shared.
"I don't want to repeat myself, which is why I keep trying new materials and technologies to make new forms."
Other pieces in Zheng's exhibit also incorporate light and sound effects--a fulfillment of the artist's dream of bringing music into his art. Zheng says he will probably continue to use music in his future installations.
Multimedia art installations such as Zheng's are increasingly becoming trendy in the art world.
"Traditional sculptures can no longer meet the demand of today's audiences. There will be more interactive shows that offer people such experiences," Zheng said.
