Volery Gallery presents Supernatural·Algorithm, a solo exhibition by Chinese artist Zhou Song, on view until 17 June 2025. In this showcase displaying his latest surrealist paintings, Zhou delves into the intricate relationships between humanity, technology, and nature through symbolic imagery and philosophical depth.
The exhibition features several thought-provoking motifs, namely anthropomorphic trees, pencil trees, and twisted candles. The anthropomorphic trees embody a vision of nature reshaped by technology. They ask whether nature can retain its original essence as it becomes entangled with human systems and digital logic or whether it is evolving into a new entity. In contrast, pencil trees symbolise nature in its original state, evoking tranquillity and balance. Together, these trees raise philosophical inquiries about the possibility of preserving natural autonomy in an algorithm-driven future.
The twisted candles represent another layer of this inquiry. Traditionally symbols of light, hope, and faith, these candles are deformed under the weight of technological transformation. Zhou reimagines sacred rituals in a digital age: What becomes of spirituality when AI mimics prayer and scripture is generated by code? These works reflect on belief as a fragile construct and an enduring force, even amid the deconstruction of its rituals.
Throughout the exhibition, the influence of classical Chinese landscape painting is subtly present. Once emblems of harmony between humanity and nature, these landscapes are now influenced by rapid technological advancement. Zhou incorporates the philosophy of technology to question how faith, nature, and identity might be redefined. In a future ruled by algorithms, will these forces retain their essence or become something “supernatural”?
About the artist
Zhou Song (b. 1982, Jiangxi, China) is a Beijing-based artist working across painting and sculpture. A graduate of the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts (2006), Zhou is known for his hyperrealistic works that interrogate the role of artificial intelligence, societal transformation, and the expanding universe.
Drawing on biomorphic forms and mechanical aesthetics, Zhou’s art considers the future of the human condition in a world increasingly mediated by machines. His practice bridges art, science, and speculative thought, using visual media to explore uncertain futures shaped by today’s digital evolution.
Zhou has displayed his artworks in many international exhibitions, which include Personal Structures, the 59th Venice Biennale Parallel Exhibition (Italy, 2022); the 13th Havana Biennale (Cuba, 2019); and the 11th Florence Biennale (Italy, 2017). He has headed solo exhibitions at prominent venues including the Shanghai Powerlong Museum (China, 2024) and Bonn Contemporary Art Museum (Germany, 2023).
Zhou’s accolades include the Lorenzo International Prize for Installation Art (Florence Biennale, 2017), the Grand Painting Prize (the 5th May Fourth International Youth Art Festival, 2012), and the First Prize for Graduation Work (Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, 2006). His art pieces are held in esteemed public and private collections: the Benetton Foundation (Italy), Osthaus Museum Hagen (Germany), and Palacio Schacht (Chile), among others.
To get more information about Supernatural·Algorithm, please go to the official web page of the exhibition.
Additionally, you may be interested in viewing Samur by Zheng Bo.
