Zearo’s practice is firmly rooted in an autobiographical perspective shaped by his South-East Asian heritage. Addressing themes of longing, desire, memory, and masculinity, Zearo creates deeply contemplative narratives that delve into the nuanced dimensions of same-sex relationships and psychological spaces. Employing a distinctly queer lens, Zearo’s works challenge the conventional norms of the male gaze, often by portraying male figures in a myriad of cognitive states– some immersed in laughter, others in serene repose, and many simply caught in the act of existing. These recurring male characters serve as poignant reflections, with some delving into the intricate psychological aspects of self-confrontation and others tenderly capturing the lingering presence of past partners or friends who have left an indelible mark on the artist’s life. Recurring motifs such as windows and doorways hint at the universal fear of solitude, abandonment and departure.Through the incorporation of both fetishised and everyday objects, the artist attempts to make visible a deeper understanding of same-sex narratives, whilst drawing attention to the symbolic value objects acquire over time.
Zearo’s ongoing investigation of space transcends conventional architectural boundaries. Influenced by mediaeval space composition and traditional Chinese hand scroll painting, multiple viewpoints encourage the viewer’s eyes to wander through each meticulously detailed scene. This shifting perspective heightens the emotional impact of Zearo’s work, emphasising the act of looking as a contemplative experience. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese art practices in particular, the artist goes beyond portraying logistical structures – aiming instead to capture the inner emotional and psychological landscapes associated with a particular space. The deliberate choice of chalk pastels in Zearo’s work alludes to the pixel, with each stroke transcending its individuality to collectively build a visual narrative that surpasses the mere sum of its parts. The fragility inherent in these materials – as well as the meticulous care required to employ them– serve asa metaphor for the transient nature of the human experience.
Zearo was born in 1996 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He currently lives and works in London, UK. In 2023, he obtained his MA in painting from the Royal College of Art. Recent solo exhibitions include: If I pass right by here, Linseed Projects, Shanghai, China 2024; in dust time, The Sunday Painter, London, UK 2023.
Recent exhibitions include: X Collection 202: Portrait of a Man', X Museum, Beijing, China, 2024; ART SG, Hive Center for Contemporary Art, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (2024); YA!, 3812 Gallery, London, UK (2023); Across & Over, HSBC HQ, London, UK (2023); Tightrope, The Bomb Factory ArtFoundation, London, UK (2023); Wild is the Wind, Hew Hood Gallery, London, UK (2023); Royal College of Art Degree Show, Truman Brewery, London, UK(2023); Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize (2023); Bloomberg New Contemporaries, South London Gallery, London, UK (2022); Bloomberg New Contemporaries, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, UK (2022); Come One Come All, The Function Suite, London, UK (2022); RAW-RCA WIP Show, Soho Revue, London, UK (2021); Lingua Franker- A Shiftiest Show, HOXTON 253, London, UK (2021); Set In Motion, G13 Gallery, Selangor, Malaysia (2019); Got It For Cheap, Dateline Gallery,Colorado, USA (2019); Art Salon, Artesque, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2018); Platform III - Thrownness (Geworfenheit), Galeri Chandan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(2017); Refraction, OUR ArtProjects, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2017); School of Thought, White Box, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2017). In 2022, his work was acquired by the Government Art Collection.