Chen Zhen

The monumental sculpture Back to Fullness, Face to Emptiness (1997-2009) will be displayed in De Meelfabriek’s central area. In the centre of the metal globe/world (fullness), which is surrounded by chairs from different countries, is placed a Chinese text in red neon with Human Rights. Only these and a good conscience (emptiness) can serve as a guide towards a future of peace and hopes towards the future.

Chen Zhen (1955, Shanghai, China – 2000, Paris, France) belonged to the first generation of Chinese artists to emigrate abroad. As he once said, he found himself between two cultures, in a world ‘full of new possibilities’, where different cultural traditions came together and gained a new significance. He realised these associations, which included Chinese culture, Buddhist concepts and various philosophical traditions, in conceptual sculptures and installations.