Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.

Bio: Zhang Zipiao, 30, Beijing (@zipiaoz)

Title of work: Spider 02 (2023).

Where to see it: “Swallow Whole” at LGDR (3 East 89 Street, New York) until July 28.

Three words to describe it: Intimate, grotesque, fierce.

What was on your mind at the time: 😵‍💫

An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The way the legs are structured together. I find spiders fascinating for their beautiful form, it allows you to deconstruct and you can go even further from my painting.

How it reflects your practice as a whole: It marks the beginning of my further practice of insect paintings.

One song that captures its essence: I’m actually on silent mode when I paint, being pushed to practice piano for ten years spared no affection for music in me. Instead, I find myself enjoying absolute isolation when I work, there is too much going on inside of me, too many inner voices striving for an exit, only in extreme quietness and isolation can I speak to those voices and let them out on my canvas.