"I hope that miniature models can become an accepted art form." Zhu Xiaozheng, deputy secretary general of the Miniature Art Committee of the China Arts and Crafts Society, is realizing this wish step by step. Recently, in a model-themed café at No. 4-5, Lane 399, Binjiang Avenue, he held his first solo exhibition "Discovery Theater - Zhu Xiaozheng and His Miniature Art World", which is also the first personal exhibition of miniature model art in China, and more than 30 works are exhibited in three categories: "Patriotic Feelings", "Humanistic Nature" and "Science Fiction Animation".
Pictured: Exhibition scene Xinmin Evening News reporter Wang Kai photographed (the same below)
Two loves, one in one
In Zhu Xiaozheng's works, the theme of military service is the most well-known. The work "Blood-Stained Style", which appeared in the New Year Model Exchange Competition of Shanghai Mass Art Museum, is a highlight of this solo exhibition. The work restores the scene of the Type 59 medium tank charging with a sharp knife, and the natural light and shadow and the details of the scenery are vividly shaped. Next to "Blood-Stained Style" is Zhu Xiaozheng's "Chosin Lake" cooperated with Kaitian Studio not long ago, and he integrates the warrior model produced by Kaitian Studio into the complete war scene, presenting a strong storytelling.
Photo: The work "Chosin Lake"
Zhu Xiaozheng, 39 years old this year, is a native of Shanghai and has been an out-and-out "military fan" since he was a child. In the third grade, he built a 1:2000 USS Missouri battleship in the school interest group, which opened the door to miniature models. In college, he resolutely joined the army. This military career also became a source of inspiration for his creation. The love for the motherland and the love for models gradually merged into one, and Zhu Xiaozheng's creation in the field of military theme models slowly became famous and gathered a group of like-minded friends. In 2016, he founded the "Jingge Regiment" composed of military and police model enthusiasts. From more than 30 people at the beginning to hundreds of people today, the "Jingge Group" also rented a studio in Baoshan District to facilitate members to complete the production process that is inconvenient to carry out at home such as painting. Every rest day, Zhu Xiaozheng soaked in the studio all day. "This community is not only to satisfy hobbies, but also to promote model culture and carry out patriotic education. "Bloodstained Style" has been brought to school many times to participate in the patriotic education of children. ”
Picture: The work "Blood Stained Style"
Go abroad, cultural self-confidence
After retiring, Zhu Xiaozheng also began to explore more model categories. In the "Science Fiction Anime" section, you can see his love for mechs, especially the "Gundam" produced by Bandai in Japan. The work "Hidden Story" restores the scenes mentioned but not presented in the theatrical version of the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam 08MS Squad". This work won the 2013 World Gundam Competition China Championship and the winner of the finals. Curator Shi Wei introduced: "Gundam's 'hometown' is Japan, in the past, gundam competition awards will always be won by the Japanese, Chinese it is difficult to get good results. Therefore, this work can be said to be a representative work of 'China Gundam Reverse Export Japan'. "That year, "Hidden Story" was sent to Tokyo for exhibition, which made many Japanese audiences shine, and they took photos and uploaded them to social platforms, with many praises.
"In recent years, with the rapid development of domestic miniature model art, Chinese players have become 'champion regulars' in international model competitions." Speaking of this, Zhu Xiaozheng's eyes showed excitement and pride. The unique feeling of home and country has always run through his creative process.
Pictured: Zhu Xiaozheng uses tweezers to adjust the work "Hidden Story"
Craftsman spirit, chasing art
This solo exhibition has created many "firsts" in the domestic miniature model industry - the first personal exhibition, the first "tailor-made" exhibition hall for the model, and the first time to display the model and the manuscript at the same time.
Last year, the China Arts and Crafts Society established a new miniature art professional committee, with Zhu Xiaozheng as deputy secretary-general. His desire to "make the art of miniature models recognized" also took the first step. "From a professional point of view, the representatives of the special committee recognized that our works are no longer 'children's toys', but works with real artistic value, which also encourages us to work harder."
Pictured: The Gorilla Season 1 Orphan
In recent years, Zhu Xiaozheng has been exploring more in-depth creative themes. The "Humanistic Nature" section presents his works that explore the relationship between man and nature. "Unlucky Lucky Day" indicts the labor of humans to elephants; "Gorilla" is divided into a trilogy, drawing on the form of a movie storyboard, telling the story of researchers who find a gorilla orphan in the jungle, take care of it, and then help it return to nature. Since it was not finished, Zhu Xiaozheng displayed the manuscript together, "on the one hand, it helps me to explain the work to the audience in its entirety, and on the other hand, it can also be used as a reference for other creators." ”
In terms of exhibition methods, Zhu Xiaozheng and Shi Wei also made a lot of effort. This exhibition is the first in the series of activities of the "Salon of Miniature Art Masters" created after the establishment of the Special Committee. The model theme café that held the exhibition was originally opened by a model enthusiast friend to provide a place for everyone to communicate, and this time it created an exhibition hall for the event. Shi Wei introduced: "We 'customize' the lighting for each piece to accurately represent the expression of the model creator. For example, "China's Type 091 Nuclear Submarine", using the top light to cast the shadow of the aircraft on the submarine, there is a dynamic sense that the aircraft is rising and falling, which cannot be achieved by the unified light in the general exhibition hall. ”
Picture: The work "China's Type 091 Nuclear Submarine"
It is reported that the series of activities of the "Miniature Art Master Salon" will continue to be carried out at a frequency of once every two months, including master solo exhibitions, theme exhibitions, seminars and exchanges. (Xinmin Evening News reporter Wu Xuying)