Erica Zhan
Interdisciplinary Art
Chicago, IL
Erica Zhan is an interdisciplinary artist and writer from the southeastern hills in China currently based in Chicago, US. Swallowed by their experiences of professionalism and standardization, Zhan acts as a rule hacker and an alternative player in their practice. Their works employ performances, moving images, photographs, and writing to interrogate the dynamics of game, competition, training, and system. Zhan explores the paradigm of contemporary sports, as well as the vulnerability shaped by discipline and regulation. They are drawn to navigate performativity and participation in their works, involving the body and the audience to build intimate dialogues. By using low-tech language and parodic methods, Zhan wants to scrutinize the zones of freedom in human society that have been eroded by professionalism.