Zearo
Malaysia, b. 1996
Zearo's practice is rooted in an autobiographical perspective shaped by his South-East Asian heritage. He addresses themes of longing, desire, memory, and masculinity, creating contemplative narratives that explore nuanced dimensions of same-sex relationships and psychological spaces. Employing a queer lens, Zearo's works challenge conventional male gaze norms, often portraying male figures in various cognitive states. These recurring characters serve as poignant reflections, delving into psychological aspects of self-confrontation or capturing the lingering presence of past partners. Motifs like windows and doorways hint at universal fears of solitude and abandonment. Through fetishised and everyday objects, Zearo attempts to make visible a deeper understanding of same-sex narratives while drawing attention to objects' symbolic value over time. Influenced by medieval space composition and traditional Chinese hand scroll painting, multiple viewpoints encourage the viewer's wandering eye, transcending conventional architectural boundaries to capture inner emotional and psychological landscapes.
Submitted by The Sunday Painter


