“Romanticism is precisely situated neither in choice of subject, nor exact truth, but in the way of feeling.” – Charles Baudelaire

The quote from the French poet Charles Baudelaire perfectly sums up Zhang Ruo Yu’s character and his attitude towards his creations. Zhang sets about seeking a thread, a theme, a style, in the realm of myths and legend, something that gives free rein to a sense of romanticism. He weaves from that thread intimate works of bronze that capture subtle depths of emotions and a sense of aspiration towards the infinite.

Zhang has a wry sense of humour, as his Stray Dogs series attest Yet there is always a thoughtfulness and subtle melancholy to Zhang’s creations and a recognition that at the heart of all romanticism is suffering.