Dalu Zhao: BIRTHMARK 2021

BIRTHMARK

In Chinese culture, every birth is assigned a Zodiac animal (Sheng Xiao 生肖). This has been a tradition since the Han dynasty (206 BC). Birthmark is our first solo exhibition with Melbourne-based artist Dalu Zhao. It features 12 fine drawings of zodiac animals wearing different styles of masks. 

It is the latest work by this reputable artist working across Australia and China. The animal head images are drawn with reference to the historical bronze sculptures in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, which were destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860.  

Too many lives have been taken away by COVID-19. Face masks have become a symbol of our travails during this pandemic. We know that the epidemic will be gone one day, and we hope one day soon. However, the mark it leaves on our life will be remembered for generations. 

Zhao's highly developed drawing and painting techniques are well recognised. His works have been shown in a range of public institutions, and his painting 'Lao Fei' was the winner of the People's Choice Award at the Archibald Prize 2003 in both Melbourne and Sydney. He delivers his strong message with simplicity and beauty. He makes drawing, perhaps the oldest form of recorded representation, modern and relevant.