Gianni Zhang tells us explains how he tells the Chinese about Florence

A direct line with internationality

Can you tell us briefly about your studies in Italy?

I came here to study Sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence. And I decided to stay.

What’s the project Zhong International is working on?

We’re organising exhibitions in China, such as the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale, as well as collaborations with Museo Pecci in Prato and the MAXXI in Rome. In Florence the most important projects for 2021 are Rinascimento - I Musei di Firenze raccontati dai loro Direttori and the Fan Hua Chinese Film Festival.

Rinascimento aims to bring great Florentine art to the Chinese: how were the events organised?

Rinascimento was conceived during the lockdown to showcase Florence and its museums to students and lovers of Western art. We do streamings from art centres of a lesson-discussion and a documentary made by us, concluding each session with a live conversation between the director of the venue and the Chinese audience at Ningbo Museum.

What is it that Chinese people like about Italy? What are the key aspects?

Undoubtedly art and the lifestyle… and of course the food and traditional products are hard to resist.

And what do Italian audiences like about Chinese art?

I think they really appreciate the contemporary expression of great international artists like Zhang Huan, Cai Guoqiang, Xu Bing, Liu Xiaodong, Chen Zhen etc.

Your favourite place in Florence?

I love the historic centre, where everything says something about the past and art can be seen everywhere.

And the Italian artist you like best?

Michelangelo Buonarroti.