Серия "Маски" 

Zeng Fanzhi created this painting, part of his “Masks” series, to express the emotional and social complexities he observed in China's rapidly changing society. Born in 1964, Zeng experienced the transition from Maoist rule to a more market-oriented economy, a shift that deeply impacted individual identity and collective values. The figures, rendered in a hyperrealistic style, appear to be wearing masks, yet their eyes betray a sense of unease. The red ties symbolize the conformity expected in Chinese society, while the fleshy hands suggest a raw vulnerability beneath the surface. Zeng once said, "The mask is there to hide the real emotion." The use of masks can be interpreted as a commentary on the performance of identity, reflecting the pressures to conform to social norms while concealing one's true self. It speaks to a broader human experience, where the need for acceptance often clashes with the desire for authenticity. The artist draws us into an emotional landscape where the individual is caught between private feelings and public expectations.