Liyuan (Sunny) Zhang,  Alaska Wilderness Whispers

November 1-30, 2024 | Leslie Murray Gallery

Opening Reception: November 1, 2024 | 4:30–7pm

Alaska Wilderness Whispers showcases Alaska's stunning landscapes and the lifestyles of its residents. Featuring Liyuan Zhang's latest collection created over recent years, this exhibition includes acrylic paintings and pyrography. Some pieces utilize innovative artistic techniques to depict animals in human-like ways leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Liyuan’s work captures Alaska's unique landscapes and reflects the harmonious relationship between people and nature, including wild animals. Her art conveys that peaceful coexistence is possible. By respecting all life and showing reverence for the natural world, rather than over-exploiting resources or encroaching on wildlife habitats, the conflicts between humans, nature, and animals can be resolved, allowing for a vision of a beautiful and peaceful life.

In early 2020, Liyuan left the sun-drenched landscapes of California to come to Alaska for the first time. She was deeply captivated by the stunning natural scenery of the Last Frontier. The beauty and magic of Alaska’s landscapes reignited her childhood dream of becoming an artist and so she decided to abandon her graphic design career to embark on this new artistic journey.