Toronto, June 8, 2025— The solo exhibition “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” by visual artist Zhan Zhang wraps up today at L.L. Contemporary gallery, concluding an artistic exploration of memory, perception, and identity. Through intricate paper sculptures, Zhang presents her signature “cutout aesthetics,” prompting viewers to reflect on what is unseen, unremembered, and ultimately forgotten.
At the core of Zhang’s artistic practice is her freehand paper-cut technique. Instead of working with sketches, she uses scissors as a drawing tool, creating spontaneous incisions that build her unique visual language. Though the black-and-white paper appears intact, it is marked by delicate scars—activated by precise lighting, the cuts take on dynamic forms that cast intricate shadows.
Unlike traditional static displays, Zhang’s works shift and evolve throughout the exhibition. They are reassembled on-site by the artist and curator, allowing each piece to transform, offering a fresh perspective on paper as a sculptural medium. This approach challenges conventional viewing experiences, creating a balance between organic and inanimate elements.
The exhibition centers around a fundamental question: Does meaning disappear if it is no longer perceived or remembered? Through her work, Zhang explores several thought-provoking ideas:
Do we see reality as it truly is, or is it merely an illusion shaped by our senses? Is memory stored only in the mind, or does the body itself retain experiences? Are there things that exist beyond human comprehension, hidden simply because we lack the ability to perceive them?
While Zhang’s aesthetic leans toward the futuristic, the essence of her work is deeply tied to personal history and cultural heritage. Her pieces reflect childhood memories, migration, and identity, blending ephemeral beauty with profound meaning. Her sculptures challenge the traditional understanding of time and existence, inviting viewers to reconsider the unseen narratives surrounding them.
The exhibition has sparked meaningful discussions within Toronto’s art scene. Organizations such as the Art Dealers Association of Canada and Art Toronto have widely shared Zhang’s work. Her “Introspection” Series in particular, made with hand-cut napkin tissue paper, has drawn admiration for its innovative use of everyday materials, earning recognition within the international art scene.
As the show concludes, light falls on Zhang’s finely crafted paper sculptures one last time—capturing the essence of her artistic and philosophical vision. In a time when digital overload accelerates the loss of collective memory, her work serves as a reminder that true recognition begins with confronting the unknown and acknowledging the unseen.
Zhang graduated from the University of Toronto with two Honors B.A. majors in Visual Arts
and Arts Management, and earned 3D Animation Post Graduate Degree from Seneca College. Images from selected exhibitions