“My Memory Nr. 1” is a portrait artwork created by Zhang Xiaogang in 2002. Belonging to the Magic Realism art movement, this piece is a profound representation of the artist’s unique style and thematic concerns.
The artwork exhibits a childlike figure rendered in soft, muted tones, typically associated with Zhang Xiaogang’s series of personal and historical reflections. The child’s face appears pale, almost ghostly, with an expression that conveys a sense of contemplation or unease. A small patch covers one cheek, symbolic of past scars or memories. The background is a flat, solid color, allowing the figure to stand out starkly, and emphasizing the introspective nature of the piece. The technique used by the artist often involves a mix of hyper-realistic and surreal elements, creating an otherworldly yet familiar scene. This juxtaposition is indicative of the Magic Realism movement, merging the mundane with a dreamy, magical quality.
