معرفی
Bo ZHENG is an Associate Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong, where he teaches and conducts research in socially and ecologically engaged art. With a PhD in Visual and Cultural Studies from the University of Rochester, he is an artist, writer, and educator committed to community-based art practices that bridge ecological awareness and social justice.
His educational background includes:
- PhD in Visual and Cultural Studies, University of Rochester
- Affiliated member, Institute of Contemporary Art and Social Thoughts, China Academy of Art
Professor ZHENG specializes in Chinese contemporary art with a focus on ecological and socially engaged practices. His research explores the intersections of art, ecology, and community engagement, particularly in East Asian contexts. He has developed innovative approaches to art education through MOOCs and online platforms, making contemporary art accessible to broader audiences. His work often involves collaboration with diverse communities including Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong and environmental activists, creating participatory installations that address issues of migration, ecology, and social inclusion.
His artistic practice includes notable works such as 'Family History Textbook' (Prize of Excellence, 2005 Hong Kong Art Biennial), 'Karibu Islands' (Juror's Prize, Singapore Art Museum 2008), 'Sing for Her' (a participatory installation with Filipino domestic helpers), and 'Plants Living in Shanghai' (a found botanical garden and online course). His recent projects focus on climate action, ecological art practices, and political ecology in post-socialist contexts.
Professor ZHENG has received significant recognition for his work:
- Prize of Excellence, 2005 Hong Kong Art Biennial
- Juror's Prize, Singapore Art Museum, 2008
- Early Career Award, Hong Kong Research Grants Council, 2014
- Professional Development Award, City University of Hong Kong, 2015
- The 35th World Cultural Council Special Recognition Award, 2018
He has secured multiple research grants including four major projects: 'Ecological Art Practices in Hong Kong (1997-2017),' 'Contemporary Art and Political Ecology in Post-Socialist China,' 'Socially Engaged Art in Post-89 China,' and 'An Online Curating Platform for Learning Contemporary Art.' He currently supervises nine doctoral students working on Chinese contemporary art and related fields, with research topics spanning multi-sensory installations, virtual reality, documentary practices, and more-than-human relations. His academic service includes editorial work for the Journal of Chinese Contemporary Art and organization of international conferences on art and ecology.
Professor ZHENG is actively involved in building an online database and MOOC on Chinese socially engaged art, and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Chinese Contemporary Art. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental sustainability, quality education, and reduced inequalities, demonstrating how artistic practice can address pressing ecological and social challenges.
