Jieyu Zheng, born in Zhejiang, China, in 1997, is an artist based in Florence whose work deeply explores the intersection of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Central to her practice is the color black, which serves as a symbol of her personal existence. This color is often pierced by bursts of light, representing moments of return to reality, and reflecting her journey of navigating the blurred lines between dream and reality. The recurring use of black symbolizes both a sense of self and the alienation she feels in her adopted European home, highlighting her internal struggle and search for belonging.

Her journey as an artist has been both geographical and psychological, beginning in China and continuing in Europe. After moving to Florence, Zheng embarked on an artistic search for a new identity within an unfamiliar culture. The color black, pervasive throughout her works, serves as an emotional vehicle for her to process feelings of displacement, while the occasional flashes of light point to her desire for connection and understanding in her new surroundings. Zheng’s art is also deeply influenced by her memories of Wenzhou, where the scent of patchouli evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and connection to her roots.

Zheng’s exploration of light and shadow, along with her use of memory, allows her to create a visual language that speaks to both personal introspection and universal experiences of alienation. Through her work, she invites the viewer into a shared experience of navigating the complexities of identity, memory, and emotional distance.

In 2024, Zheng held a solo exhibition titled “Patchouli” at Suburbia Contemporary in Barcelona, which reflected her ongoing exploration of memory and identity. Prior to this, her solo shows included “Headpiece Hypnosis” at Baoget Space in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, and “L’origine della pittura” at the Cultural Center Lichens in Wenzhou, China, in 2018.

Zheng has participated in a wide range of group shows. These include the II Edition of the Todi Biennale in Umbria, Italy, in 2024, as well as “Dionysus” at Chengdu Dake Gallery in 2023. Her work was also featured in the I Edition of the Todi Biennale in 2022, as well as in prominent exhibitions such as “Creatori del nostro tempo” at Forte Marghera in Venice, and “Guarda al futuro” at Villa Strozzi in Florence. 

PRESS
La Vanguardia – Barcelona
Bonart – Barcelona