Zhang Dali, acrylic on vinyl, 2011
Under a critical code name ‘AK-47’, the Russian Kalashnikov, Zhang Dali made portraits of migrant workers, symbolizing the oppression of his Chinese fellow citizens. Infrastructure works commissioned by the government therefore resulted in short time in powerful metropolitan areas that put China on the world map.
With great empathy the artist gave the worker, who lives in appalling conditions, a face and dignity. “I believe that humans are the product of their environment. I am concerned about the changes in our living environment that have been imposed by money and power.”
With the same critical note Zhang Dali also sculpted his ‘Offsprings’, a group of people who are all hung upside down from the ceiling like objects.
– For more works by this artist, contact the gallery. –