“I saw myself in that mask, saw that in my head there were a lot of complexities.”
—Zeng FanzhiZeng Fanzhi’s Mask Series, begun in the 1990s when the artist moved from Wuhan to Beijing, is a compelling exploration of identity and alienation in modern day China. Through expressive portraits, Zeng presents figures with exaggerated hands and painted masks, capturing a tension between individual emotion and public façade. The masks, rendered with various haunting expressions, evoke a sense of concealment, highlighting the divide between public identity and private self. This series speaks to the psychological impact of China’s rapid modernisation, reflecting the social pressures and uncertainties faced by individuals navigating a new, globalised world. Zeng's work combines Western expressionist techniques with a distinctly Chinese narrative, blending vibrant colour with an eerie, introspective depth that confronts the viewer with questions about authenticity, belonging, and the modern human condition.