Her series of graceful works on paper, mainly abstract, fascinate through their fluid, moving rhythm. The contrasts between openness and density, defined and dispersing, light and dark, the balance between concentration and fading are evidence of a focused, emotionally creative process. Each trace of the brush seems to be a trail of breath. These primarily quiet, subtle pieces can also be seen as a spiritual exercise, their presence summons a whole new dimension of feeling and tranquility.
The recent, mainly large-format, paintings by Zhang Hui adopt stylistic elements of modern European art, as well as an equal counterweight of elementary motifs from traditional Chinese painting. The intelligently applied elements from two cultures splendidly demonstrate that the artist has assumed her position in the 21st Century, open and engaged. Her images of reflecting water or compressed cityscapes should not be seen as direct illustrations of existing scenes. The classical Chinese prerequisite for this type of painting begins with the artist consciously experiencing the subject, internalizing it, before attempting to transform it into a painting.