"Natural Impersonation" by Zhidong Zhang
“My work deals with the intersection of identity, representation, the role of imagery in contemporary culture, and how visual manifestations of desire can codify sexual identities and practices.”
“Natural Impersonation,” a project by Zhidong Zhang an artist from Hunan, China. Caught between two worlds while studying abroad in the US, his work examines the societal construct of sexual identity. As Zhang mentions, “it explores the construction of sexuality and identity in the context of the unyielding repression and censorship of homosexuality in China.” In opposition, rebels against the norm by shining a light on the subject matter through portraits of his friends and family members, along with low-valued found objects. It’s a revelation of the world of ‘homoeroticism,’ in a patriarchal society, where masculinity is rigid in its role in society.
“I would say my practice relies hugely on the collaborations and negotiations between me and my subjects, which are my close friends, family members who have no clue about my sexuality.” and for this, his work is filled with a sense of intimacy between himself and the subjects. At the same time, the vulnerability of the subject matter and himself is portrayed vibrantly throughout his work. The performative aspect is also prominent, as if it could be a scene from a movie. “Photography as a performative medium opens up possibilities for me to think about my personal experiences in relation to photographic presentation and representation.”
