Feng Alex zhou
Feng Zhu, or Alex, is a student born in China and is currently a freshman in St George’s school in the US. He has eleven years of experience practicing visual arts in various forms, and was a swimmer for ten years. Global issues he are passionate about include mental health, global warming and human existentialism, and he wishes to express his perspectives through various art forms.
My Story
Growing up, he still remembered how he picked up a red crayon for the first time to draw a square. Now, he has been doing art for ten years. In practicing art in paint, pencil, digital, and 3D, he expresses himself in diverse mediums. In 2023, he held a personal exhibition, showcasing 13 oil paintings of faculty and staff in his previous school, to honor their hard work during the pandemic. From the chef to his teachers, everyone was included. He found purpose in conveying what cannot be described verbally onto pieces of blank canvas. In addition, he illustrated three books for children and participated in exhibitions in different areas of China. Currently, he is starting an art competition to raise awareness of climate change and hosting a podcast featuring artists with different art forms and views on art.
Before studying in the US, my art was about being a “human camera.” I intended my paintings to resemble reality. My perspective shifted when I saw masterpieces from visiting museums: works by Pollock, Bacon, Duchamp, and many others. I realized that art can metaphorize, distort, and look "abstract." It became my goal to develop a style that expresses instead of imitates. There is a lot for me to figure out, but I have been trying. At RISD, I wish to hone my artistic ability, explore works with social impact, learn from like-minded peers, and find my style in the humongous art world
Looking ahead, Alex wishes to continue growing his artistry at a prestigious university in the US, and potentially explore the intersection of arts and business.