Zhong Wei Probes Into the Shifting Power Dynamics Between Man and Machine

Zhong Wei is a Chinese artist known for creating multi-layered acrylic compositions that comment on the internet vernacular native to his home country. Born and based in Beijing, Wei uses found imagery and memes as source material to imbue a snapshot of the rapidly growing matrix of our technologically-driven age.

Wei’s latest exhibition at DE SARTHE gallery in Hong Kong looks to spark a dialogue around the shifting power dynamics between man and machine. Entitled Weight Drifting, his visceral artworks reflect a world where humankind has lost control of the pace at which technology now dictates our lives. Like multiple processors layered within one another, Wei probes into the growing role of AI, speculating “a near future – or perhaps present – in which any trace of the human artist will be wiped clear, for better or for worse,” wrote a release by the gallery.

Through manual techniques, Wei stresses the importance of humanity, such as writing the Chinese calligraphic characters “lust” (⾊), “body” (⾝), “eat” (⻝), and “think”(想) on several compositions. He employs these subtle indicators to point out, despite the growing role of automation across all facets of daily life, the development of language — “from early written language to AI content generators – have always been advanced by humans and for humans.”

Weight Drifting will open on Saturday, October 7 and run through November 11.

For more on art, Louise Bonnet reflects on the dead in 30 Ghosts.

DE SARTHE
26/F, M Place
54 Wong Chuk Hang Road
Hong Kong