Sine Zheng: Ashurst Emerging Artist Prize Photography Winner 2020
Sine Zheng is a London-based photographer with BFA degree from Parsons School of design and the New School of New York. She is also currently undertaking a masters’ degree in photography from Royal College of Arts. Her work has been exhibited in America, Europe and China, and is due to be presented at her solo show in London on the 9th of November.
Would you please tell us a little more about your practice?
I am a London-based photographer. My works aim to trigger a change in the artistic and social context. On the one hand, I would like to contribute to the art world by experimenting with original photographic techniques. On the other hand, I aim to create awareness regarding environmental problems looking at the complicated relationship that has always intertwined man and nature. My photographs aim to raise questions on this theme without giving any answers so that each viewer can interpret the image and its meaning independently.
Tree, 2019, C-type print photography, 100 x 129 cm.
What does it mean to you to be awarded the Photography Winner for the Ashurst Emerging Artist prize 2020?
I’m excited and honoured to be selected as the Photography prize winner this year. It is important for me to be rewarded for my past projects and it’s a significant encouragement for my future practice. In addition, winning the prize provides a valuable opportunity as a young artist to show my photographs and increase my visibility. I am truly grateful for this opportunity; it definitely represents a starting point for my future career.
Foam, 2020, C-type print photography, 60 x 70cm.
In your opinion, how well does the contemporary art world embrace and support emerging artists?
It is undeniable that social media have become increasingly important for artists to present their works and promote themselves, especially considering the pandemic situation worldwide. In my view, an important feature of contemporary art is that artists have the freedom to convey their concepts or feelings by using any medium, regardless of the wider opinion. It’s worth mentioning that viewing art through social media is not the same as viewing an object in person. However, these platforms have an important role with regards to promotion. The contemporary world is a place that provides many opportunities and inspiration for artists to experiment and express creative ideas.
Breath, 2019, C-type print photography, 80 x 94cm.
How did the pandemic and the months of lockdown impact your practice? What were the challenges that you faced as an artist? How did you adapt?
I had to come back to China before the lockdown affected London, and life was almost back to normal when I finished the 14 days quarantine in my hometown. However, reading worldwide news about the pandemic for almost a year, made me realize how it has negatively influenced people's lives for such a long time from many viewpoints. It made me reflect as an artist and as a person.
At the same time of the Covid-19, many tragic natural events took place including the bushfire in Australia, the rapid decrease of the South Pole and the locust pests in Africa. It is as if nature rebelled itself against our erroneous human behaviours. This period is quite inspiring for me; therefore, I want to devote my research to the relationship between human and ecology. Most importantly, I am aware that I am responsible as an artist to express my understanding and concern about our ecosystem inviting my audience to increase their sensitivity on the topic.
Watering, 2020, C-type print photography, 80 x 94cm.
Do you have any new projects in progress/any upcoming events?
I am creating new works while using sustainable materials and techniques. In order to have a complete frame of the world condition, as an artist I like collecting information related to nature such as scientists' professional analysis, scholars' achievements, and artists' emerging works. I am also willing to work as a researcher focusing on image-making in ecology and how it is being used as a tool to present environmental issues to the public.
Window, 2020, C-type print photography, 60 x 70cm.
Before we say goodbye, do you have any final comments or words of advice for emerging artist?
The world is suffering from the pandemic, and many people are facing great challenges in their lives. It is quite a hard time for all artists this year. It is important for everyone to continue working in order to constantly express ideas and thoughts. Art has the power to present individual desire and guide the audiences to explore their inner heart. Therefore, artists not only reflect from past experience and present events, but also exist as pathfinders looking for the possibilities of the future. We may not conquer the power of nature, but we are here as evidence to show we still fight for what we trust for.
