Biography
Born in 2002 in Qingdao, China Lives and works in Toronto, Canada
Guangyu Zhang is a contemporary artist working in abstraction, primarily working with acrylic paint. Zhang has been shown internationally, including exhibitions in Toronto, Canada, IN MY FEELINGS, a solo exhibition in Qingdao, China. Obtained his BFA in Drawing & Painting at OCAD University, Toronto. Zhang’s work holds a continuous interest in exploring the beauty of possibility, the sense of harmony, and how forms and shapes engage space across the surface.
Artist Statement
Inspired by Cy Twombly, Helen Frankenthaler, and Joan Mitchell, Zhang consistently challenged traditional artistic boundaries. In his current artistic practice, Zhang embraces Abstract Expressionism as the style through which he expresses himself. He perceives his abstract compositions as visualizations of his psychological world, encapsulating his mood, thoughts, and emotions. In essence, Zhang’s artistic process is a fusion of diverse influences – from the bold strokes of abstract expressionism to the rhythmic inspiration drawn from music, and the contemplative depth inspired from philosophy and ancient mythology.
Zhang’s art is a celebration of colour, a visual poetry that speaks to the universal language of emotion.
Education
2025 The Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, Canada
2026 Royal College of Art, London, United Kingdom
Exhibitions: Solo
2021 IN MY FEELINGS, Qingdao Int'l. Academician Gallery, Qingdao, China
2024 ONE SUMMER’S DAY, Qingdao Art Academy Art Museum, Qingdao, China
Exhibitions: Group
2026 Dreams, Indra Gallery, London, United Kingdom
2026 MATERIALITY LANGUAGE OF MATTER, Espacio Gallery, London, United Kingdom
2026 The Shape of Anxiety, Chilli Gallery, London, United Kingdom
2026 WINTER SALON, Candid Gallery, London, United Kingdom
2026 ELUCIDATE, LumiNoir Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom
Curatorial Projects
2023 Luxury within Mundane Life, Sheridan College, Toronto, ON
2023 The Wind Blows, Sheridan College, Toronto, ON
Awards
2020 The J.Z. Given Prize for Visual Art
2020 The S.O. Greening Memorial Prize