Gregor Z.

Artist's statement

The True-Self Colors of Adolescent Girls focuses on my self-awareness during adolescence and raises a series of related issues. “True self” emphasises the awakening and freedom of the individual's inner self, while “the colors of adolescent girls” is derived from “the true nature of adolescent girls”, which implies the original state and essential characteristics of human beings.

The series of works draws on my own adolescence and experience. It reflects the confusion, struggle and awakening of self-awareness. Through escaping and isolating from the outside world, I have struggled with body image anxiety, and I have been longing to break out of self-abasement and overcome it. By paying attention to social phenomena such as psychological problems and drug dependence, each work is a mark of my own growth and also represents the problems faced by my peers.

During adolescence, we wander on the road of seeking the “true self”, disturbed by external voices and entangled in inner confusion. However, it is precisely these experiences that gradually enable us to recognise ourselves clearly, accept our true selves, and deeply love our true selves.