Conformity is what Zhang can probably never be accused of. He counts a narrow circle of collectors among his admirers and patrons and has never sought to create content or imagery that would receive recognition from the general public.  This criterion of a certain unwieldiness, alongside his outstanding talent for creating tense scenes, is probably what makes him a predestined artist for the BMCA collection. As Li Xianting stated many years ago, it is the task of art to serve a purpose in addition to aesthetic value or decoration. Especially in the recent years of crisis and the increased striving for security and easy forms, it is particularly important to point to art that challenges and captivates the viewer through complex content.

 

On 2 February, Zhang Wenrong's solo exhibition opens at Loft 8 Gallery in Vienna. After two extensive exhibitions last summer in Munich, it is the first presence of Blue Mountain Contemporary Art since moving its base from Beijing to Vienna.

In 2014, Zhang was also part of the BMCA-hosted exhibition "The Future is the Past" in Vienna, curated by Wei Xing, at the time still organised from China. He is one of the first artists to be made visible through the BMCA platform, such as in his solo exhibition at the Today Art Museum in 2014.

Loft 8 Gallery's open attitude and interest in international positions makes it the ideal venue and partner for this - and subsequent BMCA Collection projects throughout the year.

Zhang Wenrong will be in Vienna for the opening and also the time during his exhibition.