“The studio is my refuge, also my utopia. Whenever I sit in the studio to paint, I feel the solace brought by art. ”

—— Zhang Kai

Co-presented by Triumph Gallery and Poly Auction Hong Kong, the Chinese post-80s artist Zhang Kai’s first solo exhibition in Hong Kong Tranquil Tales will be held at Poly Gallery Hong Kong from March 25 to April 2. The exhibition assembles 15 artworks by Zhang Kai spanning from 2012 to 2024, showcasing the artist’s vision of a Tranquil Tale.  “Tranquility” has always been the emotion Zhang Kai wants to convey in his work. For him, it is also the ideal state of being in the fast-paced life of modern individuals. Zhang Kai said, modern people live a more prosperous material life compared to the past, yet their anxiety has never been relieved. Everything surrounding us is operating at a fast pace, and being amidst exacerbates anxiety, bringing people mental exhaustion and uneasiness. He is no exception. However, whenever he picks up the paintbrush and faces the canvas, he drifts into a “Tranquil” state, feeling the comfort brought by art.

The newly created works shown in this exhibition feature different subjects from Zhang Kai’s previous works. This time, the background has become the scene, while the space itself is the content. In the artworks, rose-colored light flows subtly in the tranquil rooms, and there are also church-like spaces and half-curtained artist studios.

In addition, there are plenty of floral elements in the works on display. Flowers were one of the favorite subjects of 17th-century Dutch Vanitas painters. Jan van Huysum’s floral still-life works recorded flowers blossoming at different moments. This idealized graphic scheme captured the beautiful yet ephemeral moments of flowers. As Zhang Kai gets closer to 40 years old, he becomes sensitive to time and enjoys painting flowers. Through painting flowers. Zhang Kai wants to remind himself and everyone who comes to the Tranquil Tales solo exhibition: Time flies, and we shall cherish every moment.