Let us talk about Chinese-born, Dutch-based artist Zhuang Hong-yi, whose work bridges tradition and innovation with a captivating sense of transformation. His art is instantly recognizable for its vibrant surfaces, sculptural depth, and the remarkable color-shifting effects that unfold as the viewer moves.
At the heart of Zhuang Hong-yi’s practice lies his signature use of painted rice paper, carefully folded into delicate, flower-like forms. These “leaves” are arranged in dense clusters across the canvas, creating a tactile surface that is both painting and sculpture. Each element is meticulously shaped by hand and layered to form a field of texture, movement, and life.
One of the most enchanting qualities of Zhuang’s work is its color-changing illusion. By applying multiple hues on different sides of the folded paper, the artwork shifts in tone depending on the viewer’s perspective and the play of light. A single piece may reveal vibrant reds when approached from one angle, while glowing blues, pinks, or yellows emerge from another. This transformation is not mechanical but purely visual, an optical experience that invites viewers to move around the work and discover its many faces.
The process combines Eastern and Western influences: traditional Chinese materials and the meditative act of folding meet contemporary abstraction and Western color theory. The result is work that feels both timeless and innovative — contemplative yet dynamic.
Zhuang Hong-yi’s art reminds us that perception is never fixed. His color-shifting flower fields invite us to look longer, move closer, and experience the joy of continual discovery. Each piece is a living surface, changing with every step and angle, offering not one image, but many.
30 September 2025
