Photo Essay: Zhang Yu at Tianjin Art Museum

Part 3: Celebrating six generations of Clay Zhang art.

We couldn’t believe our good fortune. Tianjin’s gods were looking favourably on us. The works of Zhang Yu were being displayed in a special show at the Tianjin Art Museum. A fortuitous opportunity to learn more about this artist and curator of his family’s brand. We got to know much more about Zhang Yu’s growing up and the instruction he received under his father and grandfather, his motivation as an artist and professor of art, and the new areas he has endeavoured to take the Clay Zhang brand. Please enjoy this Photo Essay.

The Laozi figurines appear to be his best known, which I really appreciate.

Zhang Yu and his sister growing up with their father, an artist family.

Remember Zhong Kui? He keeps demons in line.

And apparently he can also compel them to escort his sister on her wedding to Du Ping.

I hope they are getting fairly compensated.

This Laozi and his bull design is different from the design we saw in the shop. This bull is very expressive.

This Laozi carries a small Ruyi sceptre and appears in the middle of making a statement.

Featured in a program on Tianjin TV station.

This Laozi plus bull design is more abstract, Zhang Yu showing experimentation in his personal style.

His bulls are so emotive and aware, if not intelligent themselves.

Remember Fu, Lu, and Shou? Zhang Yu has a fascination with this trio, having done many versions.

A baby for happiness, a peach for long life, and a Ruyi for fortune.

Shou says, I got next.

These look the most kindly to me.

Zhang Yu must love Zhong Kui. The enforcer of the underworld appears often in his works.

A gesture, like “Ah, I’d think twice before messing with me!”

A calm and confident Zhong Kui.

Contemplative, conversational, gregarious, triumphant, the same character but a different feeling every time.

Zhang Yu respects the tradition of his ancestor, Zhang Mingshen, in representing the faces or ordinary and extraordinary people in every day life.

Peking Opera

Young acrobats

‘The watermelon merchant

Blowing sugar guy

I would say this is the most well known and beloved work of Clay Zhang.

Mulan! Preparing for war.

Do you recognize this face? A slight, kindly old man, simply dressed, a hint of a smile, and eyes that slide off the direct gaze of the camera. It is our Buddhist Master Hongyi.

Buddhist Master Hongyi

Accompanied by other more fanciful monks.

And the man who I think put it all together during his time; began well, ended well, contended with the tigers of his time, made peace with the dragon inside, and is well remembered: Su Dongpo.

Always with the inkstone, the smartphone of his era.

Last, a special work that transcends time and culture, to perhaps speak to a World Citizenry, “Fearless”.

Titled” Fearless”

Seeing this exhibit was a great time, and we were so lucky with the timing. There is too much to show, I’m glad to share some of what we saw with you.

Fu Xing Gao Zhao wishes you all “Good Luck” on your adventures.