Acclaimed contemporary cross-media artist Zhao Bandi, also known as the “Panda Man” for his panda-themed works, is exhibiting his works for the first time in Hong Kong together with renowned art critic and curator Du Xiyun with a huge, inflatable panda art installation measuring over 11 meters long and 7 meters tall.
With limbs stretched out and eyes looking around, the panda is ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead as it marches into the city, true to its “Get Ready” theme, according to its creator.
“The panda is ready to spring into action with emphasis on cuteness, optimism, hard work, and not lying flat or giving up,” explains Zhao. “In these times of turbulence and uncertainty, we need to be motivated and I hope that the giant panda can bring hope and positive energy to Hong Kong so that everyone can get ready for action.”
Renowned contemporary cross-media artist Zhao Bandi (right) and art critic and curator Du Xiyun (left)
He points out that inflatable materials is used to present a soft, adorable and sincere-looking panda. This forms a striking yet harmonious visual effect with the three-dimensional geometric origami art of the iconic buildings. Adding to the size and might of the giant panda is the floor painting which creates a vivid optical illusion effect.
Making its debut in Hong Kong, the giant panda has previously toured around Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Suzhou. Zhao expresses curiosity, excitement and thrill as his first exhibition in Hong Kong is held in the bustling MOSTown in Ma On Shan.
"I hope that through my first exhibition in a Hong Kong shopping mall, my work can relate to the daily lives of the general public and evoke their true feelings, which is consistent with our modern art philosophy of forming a relationship with the audience," says Zhao.
“In fact, the exhibition venue exceeds our expectations as we are pleasantly surprised to find that MOSTown is visited by one third of Hong Kong’s population!” he adds.
Featuring pandas through paintings, videos and performance art, Beijing-born Zhao finds endless topics with China’s national animal and believes that his pandas are a projection of himself. “These pandas are filled with my emotions which give energy to me and to everyone,” he ponders.
His views are echoed by Du Xiyun, “Under the panda fur is Zhao Bandi himself, or I would say they are Zhao Bandi in panda fur.”
He commends Zhao for his tender love for the world, yet this collides with Zhao’s cold, cruel and dark worldview. “This collision produces pandas filled with complex emotions,” says Du. “Zhao’s work is not a cup of clear water, but a pot of soup with a complex flavour and a very long aftertaste.”
