Zheng Chongbin: Golden State—which features pieces from LACMA's collection, promised gifts to LACMA from the Fondation INK Collection, and generously loaned works—highlights a range of Zheng's artistic production. The exhibition includes work the artist made in the late 1980s, just before his move to the U.S., alongside pieces created within the past year. Each is imbued with the liveliness of his materials and further animated by the agency and energy of the viewer.

The freestanding acrylic glass sculpture consists of six radially and fan-shaped panels, supported at the base by stainless steel strips and connected at a central point. The panels vary in width and depth and are partially finished with iridescent colored foil. Each panel is perforated, featuring a unique, geometrically shaped, window-like cutout, reminiscent of James Turrell's iconic Skyspace works from the 1970s. The overall structure resembles a revolving door, which we activate step by step. Depending on our position, viewing direction, and focus, the six "windows" frame our views, glimpses, and perspectives. As we walk around the sculpture, the viewpoints and perspectives shift. The overlapping cutouts constantly create new refractions, juxtapositions, and distortions of the field of vision, and thus of spatial perception. Only through our looking and moving forward are the multiple scenes set in motion, image by image, or rather, image-within-an-image.

Immeasurable things inherently possess ambiguity. We're embracing these ambiguities that resonate with the complexity of existence. As a friend noted, "Life is about all kinds of ambiguity: ambiguous feelings, ambiguous situations." He reminds me of how the drawing is getting done. I draw multiple lines to bring forth the most accurate line. Precision emerges from the bundles of many fuzzy lines. Similar to a game of chess, I draw lines that intersect and diverge, reflecting interconnectedness and opening up possibilities. Then the merge of life becomes perceptible. Each line can influence and interact with another. In the realm of ambiguity, we find a signal of accuracy.

The elements around us contribute unique tactile sensations, nourishment, and vision, shaping life in all its forms. They range from natural constructs to human-made ones, influencing, altering, and even sustaining life. From cells and microbes to air, mist and light, from trees and soil to water, the tapestry extends to include human-generated products like cars, tools, alloys, and synthetic materials. Each element plays a role in the ongoing transformation and interconnection of our bodies and the environment. This dynamic landscape represents how these elements coexist—both independently and intricately.