Finding a cure for the body and sublimation for the soul are themes that have been present throughout the various stages of Chen Zhen’s artistic career. This sort of contemplation also finds its roots from his family coming from a medical background, as well, his own experiences of being ill. After the 1990s, Chen Zhen’s body of work began expanding into different countries and regions of the “body of culture.” As an enthusiastic observer of culture, Chen’s artistic creations focus both in the traditional Chinese imageries, as well, establish exchanges with other different cultural contexts. Chen assimlates into different cultural environments by means of being nomadic. His work often shows an infinite tenderness towards the fragility of life, and takes the topic of disease from personal level to a societal level.

The installation Continuous Sound was created just two years before Chen’s passing. It was inspired by his experiences in Israel and Palestine. Chen used traditional Chinese-styled chairs and local materials which are used to make drums, to create a new instrument. By continuously beating the drum It also beats the spiritual and physical pain of the people. It’s as if a musical altar of joy, and a ritual that allows the body to find salviation. Chen removes the social attributes of ready-made products, restores them to their natural forms, and returns to exploring the essence of life, thus conveys a reflection about the cycle of life and death.

(Edited by Lijie Wang & Miao Zijin)