Chen Zhou's 'Breathing Mirrors' anchors sensory exhibition at Shanghai Museum of Glass

The installation 'Breathing Mirrors' (2025) by Chen Zhou showcases two large fiberglass vases hanging in a darkened space, bathed in overlapping projections of gold and blue that produce both metallic and translucent visuals. This artwork reinterprets the traditional Guanyin vase, associated with a Buddhist bodhisattva and commonly used for flowers, transforming it into sculptural forms that symbolize beauty and eternity. One vase features a human ear on its shoulder, introducing a grotesque yet cohesive aspect that implies the act of listening. Ambient sounds of breath create rhythmic waves, inviting viewers to synchronize with them and experience a dreamlike suspension of time. This installation marks a shift from Zhou's previous paintings, where similar vases appeared as flat or collapsing shapes, now evolved into a three-dimensional sensory experience. Serving as the highlight of 'Chen Zhou: The Dreaming Mirror,' the exhibition is a product of the artist's residency in Yunshantun, China, with support from the Chance Art Foundation. It will be displayed at the Shanghai Museum of Glass until December 31, continuing Zhou's exploration of metaphysical and sensory themes. The deep openings of the vases reflect the viewers' gazes, encouraging silent interactions that deepen the reflective ambiance.