Bok Choy, 2024

In this small painting, I chose to depict a simple, everyday subject—a bundle of bok choy. The vibrant green leaves and delicate yellow flowers stand out against a muted, textured background, drawing attention to the humble vegetable. Tied together with a red rubber band, the bok choy is presented almost like a bouquet, inviting the viewer to see beauty in the ordinary. The use of acrylic paint allows for a rich, tactile quality, giving the bok choy a lifelike presence. The contrast between the organic forms and the abstract, nearly monochromatic background creates a dialogue between the natural world and the constructed environment. The textured surface behind the bok choy adds depth and complexity, suggesting a world beyond the immediate subject, while also emphasising the vegetable’s grounded, earthy nature. Through this work, I aim to explore themes of simplicity, nourishment, and the often-overlooked beauty in the mundane. By elevating a common vegetable to the subject of a painting, I seek to encourage viewers to pause and appreciate the small, essential elements of life that sustain us both physically and aesthetically.

On July 26, 2022, I bought some brushes, oil colours and canvas paper from an art store in Newtown and began my art journey. Since then, I have never stopped painting.

My name is Yuanzhou Zheng. I was born in China and moved to Australia in 2004. In 2011, I completed my master’s degree in professional accounting at UTS. Currently, I am a full-time second-year student majoring in oil painting at the National Art School.

Before turning 37, I worked various jobs, including salesperson, accountant, bank officer, and self-employed. Although I have always had a deep love for art, maybe because I never received any formal training, I never imagined I could become an artist until two years ago, when I first picked up a brush.

In July of this year, one of my works was selected as a finalist in the Mosman Art Prize, marking my first finalist recognition. In August, another work was chosen as a finalist in the Hornsby Art Prize. These two occasions represent all of my exhibition experience so far.

One after another, the great difficulties of art bring me anxiety, confusion, and self-doubt. But at the same time, art also rewards me generously with an indescribable pleasure of the soul. It has helped me find the significance of perseverance and passion. So, as long as I live, I will create art.