Statements
San Francisco conceptual artist
Michael Zheng is in town for his project Artist for Hire. He
will be available for hire to anyone, to do anything they ask of him
(to be agreed upon by both parties beforehand) for one day. During the
24 hours, he is both at the service and the mercy of the hirer. Reciprocally,
both parties will be facing the existential issues this brings forth. The
artist is not asking for monetary compensation. However, he does ask
that his basic needs are covered and that he can take documentation
of the project to be presented at a later date.
The project stems from the
artist’s conviction that the experience of art, as with any experience,
becomes “magical” only when you decide to open your consciousness
to it. And, more often than not, those moments unfold
or surprise in everyday situations and spaces. As such, he intends to instigate such experiences that might be meaningful to you.
Zheng believes a primary function
of the contemporary artist is to be a catalyst for these unforeseen
and moving experiences. While the seminal artist Bruce Nauman might
have been ambivalent when he said, “The true artist helps the world
by revealing mystic truths,” Zheng is running with the banner with
absolute conviction.
Michael Zheng worked as an
entrepreneur and computer programmer before he became an artist. He
brings with him a plethora of skills, experiences and baggage, all of
which to draw from.
This is a continual project. If you’re interested in participating in this project, please contact the artist directly at mj_zheng@yahoo.com. His other background can be seen on www.michaelzheng.org. Additional information is available upon request.