Eros Zhao

Art has always been a passion for me.  In recent years my form of art has been based on issues about my life and what I am interested in.

I consider myself an active participant of the gay-rights movement and consciously seek to reflect and capture the sentiments of the political struggles gay men and lesbians have historically faced, and continue to face today. Many of my paintings seek to educate the observer on subject matters, which incorporate different beliefs and cultures through symbolism.

By reason of my passion of the occult sciences, my artwork often features stories from Greek mythology or figures of tarot cards that casting spells set in Chinese landscapes to do some witchcraft inhabited by mythical Chinese creatures. There is also astrology secret through hidden messages. There is often a water element in my work, symbolizing a near and ever-present danger that drives the starring actor to the edge. Furthermore, I tend to place mountains in the background to symbolize hope of a better place that is always just out of reach. My paintings are always set at night, symbolic of the gay community that lives in the dark, wanting sunlight but afraid to be seen.  Despite the lack of natural light, I use bright and vivid colors from the entire spectrum to show the life and vivacity of the subjects. Due to this many of my pieces do reflect this in ways other would find intriguing.

I believe that through my artwork, I can open up other people to different ways of thinking and relating issues between people, and to reach out to other people about equality.