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Detail of a multimedia artwork. In the centre is a circular mirror with a reflection of a blue sky and cumulus clouds. To the left and right of the mirror are smooth metal spheres and abstract metal tear-shaped structures that merge into long vertical stems. that become bowl-like structures. In front of the mirror and between the metal structures is a small even-textured marble cube. All the elements are on a flat, yellow cloud patterned surface and background. 
In the centre is a circular mirror with a reflection of a blue sky and cumulus clouds. To the left and right of the mirror are smooth metal spheres and abstract metal tear-shaped structures that merge into long vertical stems that become bowl-like structures. In front of the mirror and between the metal structures is a small even-textured marble cube. All the elements are on a flat, yellow cloud patterned surface and background. 
Photo: Detail of Metal Elemental by Shellie Zhang.

Layered dynamics Layered dynamics

of proximity and distance: physical, emotional or cultural.

Photo: Metal Elemental" by Shellie Zhang.

Home Events Art Shellie Zhang: Near Yet Far Exhibition

Shellie Zhang: Near Yet Far Exhibition

From Monday, January 6 to Friday, May 23, 2025, multidisciplinary artist Shellie Zhang presents her exhibition Near Yet Far in the Robert Langen Art Gallery at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Library.

Near Yet Far brings together works from Zhang’s recent practice – a diverse collection of historical and symbolic references from Chinese and Chinese American/Canadian culture – to examine how images and language evolve as they traverse time and geography, reflecting on the transformations of the familiar and foreign across spatial and temporal divides.

Influenced by oral and local histories, language, signage and daily rituals, Zhang’s practice seeks to locate sacredness, resilience and familiarity within the transformation of cultural symbols, forming new visual languages through hybridity.

About Shellie Zhang

Born in Beijing, China and based in Toronto, Ontario and New Haven, Connecticut, multidisciplinary artist Shellie Zhang has exhibited at venues including Asian Art Initiative (Philadelphia) and the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego. Her work can be found in public collections such as the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the McMaster Museum of Art; and has been published in Frieze, Canadian Art, the Toronto Star, Blackflash Magazine, CBC Arts and C Magazine. Zhang is a founding board member of the Toronto Chinatown Land Trust and member of the EMILIA-AMALIA, an intergenerational feminist reading and writing group. Read more about her and her work here.

About Robert Langen Art Gallery

The Robert Langen Art Gallery (RLAG) is Wilfrid Laurier University’s visual arts centre, overseeing art collections and policies across Laurier’s various campuses, and curating a collection of 2,500+ works, including pieces by Henry Moore, Woldemar Neufeld and other notable artists. Collaborating with a broad range of university and community partners, the gallery develops exhibitions, artist lectures and arts-related events featuring works from students and community members to leading national and international visual artists. Read more about the gallery here.

The artist would like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Arts Council’s Exhibition Assistance grant in making this project possible.

In the centre is a circular mirror with a reflection of a blue sky and cumulus clouds. To the left and right of the mirror are smooth metal spheres and abstract metal tear-shaped structures that merge into long vertical stems that become bowl-like structures. In front of the mirror and between the metal structures is a small even-textured marble cube. All the elements are on a flat, yellow cloud patterned surface and background. 

(Photo credits: Metal Elemental. “Inspired by bagua mirrors 八卦镜 and other reflective amulets hung outside that deflect negative energy from your home.” Shellie Zhang/Patel Brown Gallery.)

 

Event details

Hosted by: Robert Langen Art Gallery at Wilfrid Laurier University 

Type of event: art exhibition

Featured artist: Shellie Zhang 

Dates: Monday, January 6 – Friday, May 23, 2025

Gallery hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET

Cost: Free

Location: Robert Langen Art Gallery, Wilfrid Laurier University Library, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5 (The gallery is located on the main floor of the library.)

Contact details: Robert Langen Art Gallery, Wilfrid Laurier University Library, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5, Canada; 519-889-3356, rlag@wlu.ca, wlu.ca/academics/library/robert-langen-art-gallery

 

Accessibility: The gallery is located on the main floor of the library. Access the library through the main entrance of the building via ramps from the outside. Accessible visitor parking is available adjacent to the library’s ramp. The library entrance has a power door opener. All floors of the library are accessible with elevators. Accessible washrooms are available on each of floors 2 through 7. More info here and here.