The Tilton Gallery will be exhibiting a solo show by Zhang Peili, January 11 – February 16, 2008. Zhang, described by The New York Times as “an influential figure in contemporary Chinese art and part of its growing international profile,” will be showing a series of photographs as well as a number of video installations. A reception will be held January 11, 2008 from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Known for his clean, incisive style, Zhang uses photography and video to challenge contemporary Chinese social constraints while playfully targeting traditional authoritative roles. His work also plays on more universal themes of progress and time, and the human perception of both. Zhang primarily works in video, a medium he deftly uses to bridge the mental and physical, while subtly addressing the viewer.

The show will include “Venice” as series of black and white architectural photographs taken in China, focusing on a fictitious, theme park-like interpretation of the city. Zhang will also present a video installation entitled “Sex Education,” an interactive video work in which he muses on the instinctual intrigue in the subject in an entirely PG fashion. “Happiness” another video installation, will be included as well, and uses a two channel video to explore heroic images of happiness taken from films. Lastly, Zhang will be showing a brand new work, in which an object, both live and on video, will perform its decay.