Artist Xi Zhang Leads “Idea Generator” Workshop and Talk at BDAC

Written by Isabelle Churchill

On June 18, BDAC was honored to host exhibiting artist Xi Zhang for “Idea Generator,” a special afternoon of creativity and conversation tied to his current exhibition “Strings: A Chance to Say Goodbye.” The event brought together art lovers, students, and community members for a meaningful look into Zhang’s process and the deeply emotional themes behind his work.

The afternoon began with a hands-on workshop designed to encourage fresh thinking. Titled “Idea Generator,” the session invited participants to approach art with curiosity and openness, offering exercises that challenged them to think beyond the literal. Zhang emphasized the importance of emotion and perspective in visual storytelling, encouraging attendees to use their lived experiences as a lens through which to create and interpret art.

Following the workshop, Zhang led attendees through his exhibition in the Main Gallery. While walking through “Strings: A Chance to Say Goodbye,” he spoke about the intimate experiences that inspired the work, particularly his relationship with his grandmother, who experienced severe memory loss in her final years. Zhang reflected on the emotional complexity of witnessing her condition progress and how moments of recognition, however brief, became deeply meaningful. One story in particular resonated with the audience: a moment when his grandmother, in a rare moment of clarity, recognized him and smiled. That expression, he shared, remains a source of lasting joy for him.

Throughout the talk, Zhang shared the symbolic choices behind his paintings. He described how recurring imagery, like bells, represents both memory and absence, ringing out even when the person they’re tied to begins to fade. He also spoke about why he chose to paint multiple versions of the same image, capturing shifting emotional states and creating space for varied interpretations. One painting, featuring a vast yellow field, stood out to many. Zhang explained that he wanted the field to be yellow so it would always feel sunny for his grandmother, so that no matter what was happening in her mind, the light would remain constant.

As audience members responded, the conversation grew more personal. Several attendees connected Zhang’s stories to their own experiences with loved ones facing dementia or Alzheimer’s. The gallery became a space of collective reflection, where art served as a bridge between strangers sharing similar emotions.

Zhang’s vulnerability and thoughtful insights made a powerful impression. His ability to connect personal narrative with artistic practice helped the audience see his work not just as a visual experience, but as an emotional one. Events like this reflect BDAC’s commitment to deepening community engagement through art that moves beyond the canvas.

“Strings: A Chance to Say Goodbye” is on view through July 3, 2025. For gallery hours and exhibition information, visit bdac.org.