Green Zeng gained notoriety for his performance piece 'Brother Cane', which protested against:

Government censorship of artistic expression

Green Zeng’s artistic practice analyzes how:

History is written, interpreted and disseminated.

Which art prize did Green Zeng win in 2018?

The UOB Painting of the Year (Established Artist Category)

(1972 - )

Zeng Hanpei: Exploring History and Identity Through Diverse Media

Green Zeng is a Singaporean multidisciplinary artist whose practice encompasses visual art, theatre, and film. Born in Singapore in 1972, Zeng’s artistic journey began with an exploration of marginalized histories and alternative narratives within the context of Singapore's socio-political landscape. This initial focus established a foundational understanding of how history is constructed and disseminated—a perspective that continues to permeate his subsequent projects.

Early Influences: Zeng’s artistic sensibilities were shaped by encounters with thinkers like Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida, whose explorations into power dynamics and the role of fiction profoundly impacted his conceptual framework.
Theatre Performances: Notably, Zeng gained recognition for “Brother Cane,” a theatrical performance staged in protest against the homophobic caning incident of 1994. This courageous act resulted in a ban on public performances by Zeng during his lifetime and a hefty fine for violating Singapore’s penal code—a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic freedom and social activism.
Film Projects: Zeng's filmmaking endeavors began with “The Return” (2019), delving into the narratives surrounding imprisoned homosexual men in Singapore. Subsequently, he directed short films such as “Blackboard Whiteshoes,” selected for Cannes Film Festival in 2006, and “Passenger,” awarded an Encouragement Prize at Tokyo’s Akira Kurosawa Memorial Short Film Competition in 2007.
Recognition & Awards: Zeng's artistic achievements have garnered considerable acclaim. He was a Finalist for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize in Hong Kong (2012), nominated for the Asia Pacific Breweries Signature Art Prize (2014), and awarded Bronze in the UOB Painting of the Year (Established Artist Category) (2018).
Recent Exhibitions & Residencies: Zeng’s artistic trajectory culminated in a solo exhibition, “Pulau Sebakau,” held at Art Outreach, Singapore in 2023. He is currently an Artist-in-Residence at NTU CCA Singapore Residencies Programme (2020), furthering his exploration of themes related to truth, power and resistance.

Exploring Historiography and Conceptual Frameworks

Zeng’s artistic practice consistently interrogates simplistic historical interpretations—a stance rooted in the influence of philosophers like Foucault and Derrida. He posits that fiction serves as a crucial tool for imagining alternative narratives, mirroring Foucault's assertion that “fictions are experiments in truth.” This conceptual underpinning informs his engagement with diverse mediums, including visual art, theatre, and film, where he strives to challenge dominant discourses and foster critical reflection on societal realities. His exploration of texts like Derrida’s *Notes Toward A Performative Theory Of Assembly* underscores his commitment to questioning established frameworks and advocating for nuanced understandings of history.

Notable Works: Siapa Nama Saya? & Television Confessions

“Siapa Nama Saya?” stands as a cornerstone of Zeng’s artistic output, embodying his preoccupation with identity and the role of language in shaping collective narratives. Inspired by Chua Mia Tee's *National Language Class*, this painting utilizes the phrase “What is my name?” repeated across three school uniforms—Malay, Chinese, and English—to provoke contemplation on Singapore’s multicultural heritage and the significance of questioning personal and national identities. Furthermore, Zeng’s film series *Television Confessions* meticulously examines televised confessions made by political detainees between 1960s and 80s, offering a powerful counterpoint to official narratives and highlighting the importance of diverse voices in shaping historical understanding.

Film Projects: Blackboard Whiteshoes & Passenger

Zeng’s cinematic endeavors have garnered recognition for their artistic merit and thematic depth. “Blackboard Whiteshoes,” selected for Cannes Film Festival in 2006, delves into the complexities of education and social justice—a subject that resonates with Zeng's broader commitment to advocating for marginalized perspectives. Similarly, “Passenger” received an Encouragement Prize at Tokyo’s Akira Kurosawa Memorial Short Film Competition in 2007, demonstrating Zeng’s ability to craft compelling narratives that engage audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels.

Current Artistic Pursuits & NTU CCA Residency

Currently residing as Artist-in-Residence at NTU CCA Singapore Residencies Programme (2020), Zeng continues to refine his artistic vision—drawing inspiration from thinkers like Judith Butler and Jacques Derrida, and engaging with artworks such as Lola Arias’ *Veterans* and Koki Tanaka’s *Returning, Revisiting & Reconstructing*. His ongoing projects explore themes of truth, power, and resistance, reflecting a sustained dedication to challenging conventional perspectives and fostering critical engagement with cultural narratives.