By Nolan Hayes
A successful exhibition not only sparks heated discussions during its run but also continues to inspire discourse long after its conclusion. The Through Thought group exhibition, held in 2024, featured Untitled by Kerui Zhou, a work that received widespread attention from both academia and art critics for its unique interpretation of youth and identity formation. Over the past few months, theoretical discussions surrounding her work have intensified, with her artistic language being incorporated into multiple contemporary art research papers. As we revisit this exhibition in 2025, we aim to analyze how her work has demonstrated enduring value over time and how it has emerged as a representative of the new generation of artistic trends.
Photo Courtesy: Kerui Zhou
About the Artist Kerui Zhou
Kerui Zhou (born in 2000) is an artist primarily focused on oil painting. Her creative style is based on spontaneity, using a vibrant yet subtle palette to evoke emotional resonance in the viewer. She excels at revealing depth and emotional layers in her works through the use of color fields and fluid forms, guiding the audience into a surreal realm where fleeting, subtle moments are explored. One of the key focuses of her work is the unique interpretation of the male body in intimate relationships, redefining the symbolic meaning of the body in art.
In 2024, Kerui Zhou earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts Studio and Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with a minor in Film Studies. This academic background infuses her work with a philosophical depth and cinematic narrative quality.
Photo Courtesy: Kerui Zhou
A Unique Artistic Language: The Fluidity and Infinite Possibilities of Youth
The “Through Thought” exhibition, successfully hosted by : iidrr Gallery in New York, attracted over a hundred curators, critics, art collectors, and art enthusiasts on its opening day. The bustling crowd and the exhibition’s wide-reaching influence were a testament to its significance. As a highly regarded art space, :iidrr Gallery rigorously selected works from numerous submissions, ultimately presenting experimental and intellectually profound pieces by artists such as Annu Yadav, MAESTRO, and Emma June Jones, advancing the visual and philosophical discussion around the concept of “figurativeness.”
Kerui Zhou’s two 12 x 12 inch acrylic on canvas pieces center on the ambiguity and fluidity of youth, precisely capturing the uncertainty and complex emotions inherent in the process of growing up. The first piece portrays a child gazing into the distance, with eyes full of curiosity and confusion, as if contemplating the infinite possibilities of life. The second piece depicts a sleeping child, whose expression hovers between a smile and tears, blurring the boundaries between dream and reality, evoking the fragility and unknowns of youth.
In terms of technique, Kerui Zhou employs interplay of light and shadow in her brushwork, allowing the artwork to present different layers when viewed from different angles, creating a subtle dynamic effect. She also carefully constructs contrast in tones, generating tension between warmth and coldness, which highlights the uncertainty of youth. Conceptually, she breaks away from traditional figurative painting frameworks, not only capturing the physical form but also using expressions and emotions to convey an abstract psychological experience. This transforms her work into a symbolic vessel for psychological introspection, inviting viewers to engage in deep self-reflection.
High Praise from Curators and Critics: Exploring the Boundaries of Figurativeness
At the exhibition, viewers gathered in front of various works, engaging in deep discussions, while curators and artists interacted extensively. Among the displayed works, Kerui Zhou’s piece Untitled particularly stood out. Through her delicate brushwork and philosophically charged compositional language, she captured the infinite possibilities of youth, deeply resonating with the emotional experiences of the audience. Among the many works selected for the exhibition, Kerui Zhou’s creation distinguished itself with its unique expression, receiving high praise from garnering attention from collectors and critics. It became one of the most discussed works of the exhibition.
Notably, Kerui Zhou’s works also attracted the interest of several art institutions and private collectors. During the exhibition, industry insiders revealed that a number of renowned art museums had expressed strong interest in her works and were considering acquiring them to further promote her artistic influence.
Kerui Zhou: A Pioneer in Exploring Identity and Possibility
The “Through Thought” group exhibition successfully concluded on October 27, 2024, but Kerui Zhou’s works continue to spark intense discussion within the industry. Her unique interpretations of youth, growth, identity, and possibility have further solidified her influence in the contemporary art world, establishing her as an artist to watch. Moving forward, she will continue to expand her artistic language within the context of contemporary art, offering audiences more boundary-pushing works. We look forward to seeing how her future creations will guide viewers in discovering themselves through art and exploring broader possibilities within her pieces.
This article, written by Nolan Hayes, was published by Milo Houston.