New Zealand-based Chinese artist Zed Xu 榛子瞬 is best known for their conceptual abstract paintings, filmic work, and performance art. These cross-disciplinary works embody the essence of their creative process: crafting infinite narratives within finite time. As a practitioner of Vipassana meditation, Zed creates resonating pieces through a state of transcending stillness, presenting an array of expressions of desire, transformation, and the quest for belonging.
Born in Urumqi, China, in 1993 with Whakapapa to Henan and Si’chuan, Zed moved to New Zealand in 2007, spending their youth abroad away from family. After graduating from university, Zed's artistic journey blossomed through life experiences—from early childhood education to special effects makeup for the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. They studied at the University of Auckland's Elam School of Fine Arts from 2023 to 2025. After graduating with first-class honours, they are currently pursuing a PhD in Fine Art with creative practice at Massey University, New Zealand.
ARTIST BIO
CONTACT
zhenzishun@gmail.com
SOCIALS
Interview
Asian in Aotearoa interview
Episode 57: Inside Zed Xu’s creative universe: filmmaking, performance art, painting. Zed Xu 榛子瞬 is a multidisciplinary artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, originally from China. Zed's artistic practice spans painting, performance art, and filmmaking, driven by their experience as a non-binary, queer, neurodivergent Asian migrant. Zed is yet another guest with a vipassana experience to share (!!) and we also delve into where they’re at in their creative evolution. Spoiler: it's exciting!
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Asian in Aotearoa Year of the Snake Panel
Recorded at the recent Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year & Pride month event, Jenna sits down with four brilliant Asian, queer creatives. Covering themes from success and courage to reinvention and self-expression, the panelists reflect on their journeys and look to the future. The panel shares insights on how embracing their heritage and ancestry has enriched their sense of identity and fuelled their artistic expression. Panelists: Marc Conaco: Bisaya artist, graphic designer and zine-maker Sam Low: Fiji-born Chinese, MasterChef NZ Winner, cookbook author and food creative Sung Hwan Bobby Park 박성환: Korean multidisciplinary artist Zed Xu 榛子瞬: Chinese-born, makeup artist, audio-visual & multidisciplinary artist
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