
Zhu's new series, on show at Schoeni Gallery from May 12, was inspired by his visits with his students to elementary schools in Sichuan after the earthquake, from which he had a heartfelt encounter with young children in classrooms and playgrounds. Not only had the experiences brought back Zhu’s own childhood memories, but also had him reflect on the effects that political and societal developments of China have had on the younger generation. Amidst the force of what the government calls “economical development” today, the country seems to have entered a state of artificial forgetfulness in which the "past" is simply unwelcomed. But Zhu is persistent with his artistic nostalgia, and insists to search in the past for the innocence and purity of children's that we are losing in our world today.