Artists deliver a naturally inspiring exhibition

Growing up near Beijing's Xiangshan Mountain, Zhang Zhaohui has long nurtured a deep connection to trees and the natural world. After more than 20 years of studying art theory, the now 59-year-old reinvented himself as an artist more than a decade ago, using his work to explore the relationship between traditional Chinese ink painting and nature.

This summer, Zhang took his practice outdoors, participating in an exhibition deep within the forests of Massachusetts in the United States. There, he presented his nature-inspired works in the very environment that fuels his creative vision — a powerful experience that reinforced his bond with the natural world.

Earlier this month, Zhang returned to Beijing, bringing his tree-themed works to the Red Gate Gallery for the exhibition, Trees: The Great Connectors, in collaboration with Irish visual artist Niamh Cunningham, who also shares his passion for the natural world.