On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Stanford Chinese Faculty and Family Club successfully hosted an inspiring talk titled “Starting from Ink: Rethinking Contemporary Art” at Stanford University’s LKC Center.

We were honored to feature Zhang Yu, a pioneering figure in Chinese contemporary ink art. As an experimental ink artist, independent curator, seasoned editor, and prominent art critic, Mr. Zhang has played a significant role in shaping the dialogue around contemporary ink art. His works are part of major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and have been featured in leading international exhibitions on Chinese contemporary art.

Zhang delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Starting from Ink: A View of Contemporary Art”, drawing upon over four decades of his artistic exploration. Through a series of critical, inquiry-driven keywords, he shared his unique perspective on the evolution of ink art—from traditional ink painting to brushless performances, ink-based installations, and conceptual works. His lecture proposed the compelling idea of moving “beyond East and West”, offering new frameworks for understanding the cultural and philosophical dimensions of contemporary ink art.

The event provided attendees with a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential voices in Chinese contemporary art. Many found the session profoundly insightful, gaining a deeper appreciation for the evolving methodologies and global significance of ink art today.