Mask Series No. 10
1998
Artist
- Zeng Fanzhi, Chinese, 1964
- Born: Wuhan, China
- Work Locations: Beijing, China
Country
China
Object
painting
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Accession Number
2001.888
Credit Line
Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum
Zeng Fanzhi, Mask Series No. 10, 1998. Oil paint on canvas; 70 ¾ x 78 ¾ in. Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum, 2001.888. © Zeng Fanzhi
Dimensions
height: 70 3/4 in, 179.7050 cm; width: 78 3/4 in, 200.0250 cm
Inscription
Bottom right corner "[Chinese characters] Zeng Fanzhi 98"
Department
Modern and Contemporary Art
Collection
Modern and Contemporary Art
This object is currently on view
Masks became powerful symbols for Zeng Fanzhi, who used them to explore individuality and express the alienation he experienced when he moved to Beijing. “I saw myself in that mask, saw that in my heart there were a lot of complexities,” he said.
The masks might imply that the figures are concealing their true selves, but Zeng’s statement suggests more complicated realities of human existence. Given their clothing, postures, and masked expressions, what story do you think Zeng is telling?
© Zeng Fanzhi
Exhibition History
- "Audacious: Contemporary Artists Speak Out" —Denver Art Museum, 2/21/2016-2/20/2018
