Pengyan (Max) Zhu is a multidisciplinary artist from Beijing, China, currently based in Boston. Her work delves into the intricate layers of personal and communal experiences, focusing on uncovering the subtle, precious, intricately layered, and often suppressed emotions and interactions that define the beauty of life. Through her practice, she seeks to vividly illuminate individual narratives, finding resonance in the complexities of universal concepts, while encouraging audiences to deeply reflect on and experience their own human emotions, such as connection, loss, and love.

Her artistic practice centers on crafting immersive installations that integrate photography, poetry, videography, and mixed-media elements. By engaging deeply with space, Pengyan creates visceral experiences that transcend the conventional boundaries of art spaces, inviting viewers to step into realms of memory, subconscious thought, and their own inner landscapes.

Pengyan is pursuing a B.A. at Boston College, with a double concentration in Studio Art and Communication. She is the founder and co-director of SPoT, a Boston-based student artist community that fosters connection among young artists through events, workshops, group exhibitions, and shared dialogue. SPoT also bridges student artists with established professionals through interviews and collaborative opportunities. Her professional experience includes serving as an artist assistant for contemporary artist Sheila Gallagher and as a producer’s assistant for surrealist fashion photographer Tu Songze.

Her goal is to challenge the elitism and inaccessibility of the art world by curating community-based workshops and experiences where art connects, inspires, and amplifies the authentic voices of underrepresented communities, moving beyond tokenism.