‘天堂的骚动 (Divine Chaos)’ is a surreal, modern reimagining of Chinese mythology presented through animation, sculpture, and painting. Through a blend of traditional and contemporary mediums, this exhibition explores the fleshy creatures and otherworldly goddesses that intermingle in a divine chaos. The 3D-animated creature installation on outdated TV screens and monitors mimics retro visuals like camcorder footage and desktop backgrounds. Ceramic sculptures of cats and female figures act as lamps and planters, merging the mythical with the functional in playful, everyday forms.
The exhibition invites viewers into a world where beauty is found in the unpredictable, where the boundaries between creation and destruction are blurred. By reinterpreting these legends in a format accessible to today’s audience, Zhao and Zheng highlight the timeless relevance of Chinese myths and encouraging viewers to connect with their cultural roots in a fun, enlightening way.
Mindy Zheng is a fourth year Studio Art and Computer Science major at the University of Virginia concentrating in Painting. Her work has has been included in Up Next: SECAC 2023 Student Exhibition, Richmond, VA, 2023; McGuffey Art Exhibition, Charlottesvile, VA, 2023 and 2024; and Emerging Visions Student Art Exhibition, Reston, VA, 2020.
Judy Zhao is a fourth year Studio Art major at the University of Virginia concentrating in New Media. Their work has has been included in Sehsüchte International Student Film Festival, Potsdam, DE, 2024; Asifa-East Animation Festival, Queens, NY, 2024; Up Next: SECAC 2023 Student Exhibition, Richmond, VA, 2023; and McGuffey Art Exhibition, Charlottesvile, VA, 2024.