Tianli Zu

Beijing-born and Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist Tianli Zu’s practice spans painting, sculpture, multimedia installations and video. But at the heart of her work are techniques of papercutting and Chinese folklore. Zu’s grandmother taught her simple paper cutting techniques, and her grandfather taught her calligraphy. Later, as an art student in Beijing she travelled to rural Shaanxi Province. Seated in tiny rural homes she learned papercutting from women who knew the traditional methods, listening to stories about the sources of imagery and symbolism. ‘It’s told through the story, the folklore, it’s lots of things that are forbidden, and there are lots of things that are so wild,’ she says. Her work in Home and Away juxtaposes Chinese traditions relating to health, longevity and the sharing of food with her love for the natural world.

Watch Tianli Zu'’s interview with curators Luise Guest and Jennifer Yang

Think About/Discuss:

• At the heart of her work, Zu explores the interplay of what concept? Conduct a little research on this concept and what it means to a Chinese and Australian culture.

• In her exhibiting works, what metaphors and symbols appear through her paper fruits?

• What global issues does Zi explore through her works?

• Zu speaks about the ‘dance’ that takes place between herself, the tools and her medium. Listen closely to the interview and observe the three works in the exhibition. How does her metaphor relate to her broader concept and themes?