“I think the part I really care [for], is about death, about the uncertainty of death,” says artist Tianzhuo Chen, discussing the aspects of religion that inform his life and practice. “Or I should say, the uncertainty of being alive—I don’t know which one is more correct.” Talking with associate editor Jared Davis about his performances that create spectacles of ritual, symbolism and sexuality for AQNB’s bi-monthly Artist Statement podcast, this latest episode with Chen is available exclusively to subscribers of our Patreon.
Based in Beijing, while also having lived and worked extensively in Shanghai, Chen is the founder of Asian Dope Boys, a loose collective and party series, presenting performances and club nights at spaces ranging from Shanghai’s All Club, to the Barbican Centre in London. Often working with others, Chen’s extensive network of collaborators include artists such as Aïsha Devi, Gabber Modus Operandi, 33EMYBW, to name a few.
Trance & Ceremony is the latest in our Artist Statement podcast series, with past episodes featuring Terre Thaemlitz, Jam City, Rhea Dillon, Legacy Russell and more. The full episode is accessible to our subscribers right now on Patreon. Sign up now: www.patreon.com/aqnb.**
