Puxuan Zhou - Host

Host explores the complex relationship between the host and their symbiotes, highlighting their fluid and ambiguous boundaries. The exhibition delves into themes of dependence, influence, and adaptation, inviting viewers to uncover the hidden dynamics within this type of intricate relationship.

The formation of a codependent relationship *Host*, features works by Puxuan Zhou, curated by Shelley, opens on 07/15/24 at iidrr gallery. This exhibition explores the intricate relationship between the host and symbiotes, focusing on their fluid boundaries and dynamic interplay. *Host* features Zhou's drawings, depicting a type of human relationship formed by the host and their symbiotes. The exhibition centres around the themes of dependence and adaptation, highlighting the fluid and ambiguous boundaries between the subjects, resulting in a level of coexistence and dependence that slowly collapses over time. The exhibition invites viewers to uncover and understand the hidden dynamics within this type of relationship through Zhou’s works, inspired by his personal emotional journey. "Through Host, we aim to uncover the profound aspects of this type of codependent relationship, inviting viewers to experience the emotional turmoil that comes with it" says Shelley.

Puxuan Zhou, born and raised in Tianjin, China, discovered his passion for art at a young age following fundamental drawing and painting practices. When his journey led him to the United States at 15, he continued to cultivate his artistic voice. Now based in New York, Zhou combines his fundamental fine art philosophy with emotion, aesthetics, and contemporary art elements. Zhou graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Parsons School of Design in 2023 intending to further widen his artistic horizon. In recent years, Zhou's artistic toolkit has extended beyond traditional mediums, encompassing 3D modeling, VR, digital drawing and painting, metal printing, and collages. These diverse mediums provide fresh avenues for expressing his emotions and ideas, utilizing shapes, textures, and innovative techniques. Zhou’s work was exhibited at Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Gallery in 2023 and :iidrr Gallery in 2024. Zhou’s art and story has been featured on Voyage LA Magazine, ArtRabbit, Uschinapress(The China Press).

Shelley Chen, a surrealist artist and a curator with a keen interest in contemporary works that delve into intimate, emotional, and dark subjects of the human experience. Her unique perspective shaped by her art practice, and her role at Christie’s allowed her to participate in putting up several exhibitions, honing her ability to create compelling stories centred on complex modern subjects through visual arts. For *Host*, Shelley aims to craft an evocative narrative that deeply resonates with viewers, offering a profound exploration of human relationships through Puxuan’s work. This exhibition showcases her ability to blend artistic sensibility with curatorial insight, presenting an unforgettable experience. Host: “Host” delves into the intricate relationship between the host and his symbiotes, emphasizing the fluid and often ambiguous boundaries that form their codependent connection. Inspired by Puxuan Zhou’s personal experiences, this exhibition explores how his symbiotes have subtly shaped and transformed him over time, while also experiencing reciprocal effects. Zhou’s raw and emotional drawings and sketches reflect how he allowed his symbiotes to coexist, extract, and harm him, while they in turn harmed themselves. This dynamic interplay creates a complex and intricate interpersonal relationship. “Host” invites viewers to engage with Zhou’s experiences, witness the formation of these relationships, and uncover the hidden emotional layers that define the lives of both hosts and symbiotes.

Oganic beings