Zoo of the Night Series: A Fantastical Habitat Between Reality and Illusion

In the nights of the digital era, screens have become our window to the world. The moment our fingertips glide across our phones, we seem to enter a realm suspended between reality and illusion. On social media, exotic birds and animals, nurtured and cared for by humans, appear with gentle and captivating expressions. They consume foods unavailable in nature, and their faces carry a hint of smiles, as if immersed in a happiness beyond the real world. These images, both real and magical, captivate countless viewers, who pause, like, and marvel—together constructing a collective subconscious dreamlike zoo.

Entering the exhibition space feels like stepping into a shared dreamscape. The animals move like spirits, navigating the boundary between reality and fantasy. As viewers gaze upon these works and immerse themselves in the moment, the spirits softly spread a golden cloud, bringing a fleeting sense of serenity and ethereal beauty. This enchanting realm is the Zoo of the Night.

Hollow Dry Lacquer—Traditional Craft Meets Contemporary Reflection

The works in the Zoo of the Night Series are created using the traditional technique of Hollow Dry Lacquer, a method originating from ancient Asian Buddhist statue making. Layers of raw lacquer and hemp cloth are applied to sculpt forms with profound depth. The hollow interior symbolizes the inner universe—the realm of the subconscious—while ancient artisans used crystal-carved jade eyes as a bridge connecting inner and outer worlds.

For this exhibition, the sculptures feature jade eyes crafted from Himalayan crystal. The rich mineral texture not only carries the memory of nature but also reflects contemporary cultural conditions. All works are made with natural materials. In the flat works, colors are derived from natural minerals mixed with deer glue, creating a subtle, deep layering; the gold elements use 99.9% pure gold leaf, applied with traditional lacquer-gilding techniques, remaining brilliant over time. These creations are both a contemporary interpretation of ancient techniques and an exploration of the collective subconscious. As viewers engage with the works, they may glimpse their own inner world.

Zoo of the Night Series is an exploration of observation, memory, and imagination. It invites every visitor to step into a liminal space where reality and dreams intertwine, to encounter these enigmatic spirits, and to wander among golden clouds, immersed in a poetic moment where the boundaries between the seen and the imagined dissolve.