Suki Zhang

Artist Statement My name is Suki Zhang. I’m a Toronto-based artist and have chosen art as my career since 2014. The art works I create mainly focus on the relationship between human and the universe, and provoke discussions about the roles each individual can play in the world. Recently, I started working on a new art project: Rainbow. The project is inspired by the impact of the Syrian Civil War. After hearing first-hand stories of people losing their home, families being torn apart, and children being deprived of the opportunity to safety and proper education and having to worry about their lives instead, I saw the importance of bringing love and peace back into the society and decided to speak out. To my understanding, war, either by its literal or metaphorical definition, is a kind of waste caused by human’s greed, selfishness and lack of responsibility. Instead of fighting against the enemies around us, by delivering this project, I hope to encourage people around to share their love and cherish the world that we’re all living in. The project has contributors from all around the world. Participants are to have their handprint printed on a piece of blank canvas with one colour of their choice from the rainbow, which resemble their input and effort to leading a happy and peaceful life. Each participant receives an email afterwards with quotes and tips to happiness as a small gift to brighten up the day. Their handprints, once gathered, are to be assembled into an arch like an actual rainbow, and sealed with transparent acrylic. The final piece will be exhibited globally. The idea of a rainbow showing up after storms suggests hope. As children are often referred to as a nation’s hope and future, the project draws connection between the subject and the kids suffered during the war; while the seven colours of the rainbow represent tolerance to diversity and embracement of cultural compatibility. Through the Rainbow project, I hope to share my best wishes to the world and mankind, and celebrate the co-existence of people from all cultural backgrounds. The final work consists of a set of rainbows of various sizes. The largest piece will be 20m(w) x 10m(h).