Eng Yommanak
Zhang HUan
Zhang Huan is a Chinese artist based in Shanghai his photographs are undeniably linked to his cultural and political background. Zhang Huan's identity is different from ours in the western culture he was born in to a newly communist country. Throughout his childhood he experienced and saw many issues with China that are still happening today. When he was noticed for his talent in art he started to challenge the Chinese government by confronting them with photographs relating to political issues such as overpopulation, family planning, urban immigration and especially poverty.
In his series Family tree he inscribes Chinese letters on to his face. His whole face is gradually covered with Chinese characters till his face turns black. Zhang Huan says ‘The body is the only direct way through which I come to know society and society comes to know me. The body is proof of identity. The body is language’. Zhang Huan's statement clearly tells us that the body tells of your identity, your culture, your family and the society you were brought up to. With this understanding about the body we can now see that he has successfully linked his cultural and political background by the use of his body and Chinese characters.
Zhan Huan's photograph was linked to his cultural and political background so I had my uncle and I pay respect to our Thai king Bhumibol Adulyadej. He is seen in almost every house in Thailand and is considered to be the tie between our culture and our identity. With the news of his passing we wanted to show our sorrows and respect for his majesty. The photograph reminds me of my identity and who I am.