Near Yet Far, An exhibition examines images and language Expand All + Collapse All - Published: December 20, 2024 Toronto and New Haven, Connecticut-based multidisciplinary artist Shellie Zhang presents her exhibition Near Yet Far in the Robert Langen Art Gallery at the Laurier University’s library from January 6 to May 23, 2025.Near Yet Far brings together works from Zhang’s recent practice that unravel the layered dynamics of proximity and distance—whether physical, emotional, or cultural. Through a diverse collection of historical and symbolic references from Chinese, and Chinese American/Canadian culture, Zhang examines how images and language evolve as they traverse time and geography, reflecting on the transformations of the familiar and foreign, across spatial and temporal divides. DescriptionIn the centre is a circular mirror with a reflection of a blue sky and cumulus clouds. To the left and right of the mirror are smooth metal spheres and abstract metal tear-shaped structures that merge into long vertical stems that become bowl-like structures. In front of the mirror and between the metal structures is a small even-textured marble cube. All the elements are on a flat, yellow cloud patterned surface and background.Influenced by oral and local histories, language, signage, and daily rituals, Zhang’s practice seeks to locate sacredness, resilience, and familiarity within the transformation of cultural symbols, forming new visual languages through hybridity.Zhang has exhibited at venues including Asian Art Initiative (Philadelphia) and the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego. She is a recipient of grants such as the Toronto Arts Council’s Visual Projects grant, the Ontario Arts Council’s Visual Artists Creation Grant and the Canada Council’s Project Grant to Visual Artists. In 2021, she was a recipient of the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts Artist Award. Her works can be found in public collections such as the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the McMaster Museum of Art. Her work has been published work in Frieze, Canadian Art, the Toronto Star, Blackflash Magazine, CBC Arts, and C Magazine. Zhang is a founding board member of the Toronto Chinatown Land Trust and member of the EMILIA-AMALIA, an intergenerational feminist reading and writing group. The Robert Langen Art Gallery is located on the main floor of the Laurier Library. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.For more information, email RLAG@wlu.ca To learn more about Shellie Zhang visit www.shelliezhang.comThe artist would like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council’s Exhibition Assistance grant in making this project possible.