By Fang Jingyi
On Feb 12, in the vast snowy expanse of the Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria, Professor Zheng Jing of the China Academy of Art (ACA) launched a new chapter of the “Expeditionary Light Project” with the “Human Utopia” series, in collaboration with the Zhejiang Art Museum. This marks the third time the artist has used light as a medium and nomadism as a method for real-time artistic creation in various cultural and natural spaces worldwide, following the 2022 project in Dunhuang and the 2023 project in the Lingding Ocean.
The Buzludzha Monument, built in the 20th century and located in the Balkans, became the canvas for the artist’s vision. Zheng utilized the unique architectural structure of the monument, allowing light and shadow to intertwine with the dome and walls. The on-site performance also featured Bulgarian folk music, performed by musician Nikola Markovski.
On Feb 16, following the first installation at the Buzludzha Monument, the “Human Utopia” series continued with its second performance at the Moslavina Monument in Croatia. More installments of the series will be launched abroad in the future.
The “Expeditionary Light Project”, initiated by Zheng in 2022, is a public space art creation plan. From July to August 2022, the first phase took place, where the artist traveled to the Dunhuang region, creating the world’s first public space art plan combining light and shadow media with nomadic methods for real-time creation. In the “Human Utopia” series, the artist stirred the imagination of utopia through the power of art, infusing it with spiritual and emotional strength that can integrate into daily life.