'I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe' photo exhibition opens in Vancouver

If you’re looking for inspiration for next year’s travels, you might want to head along to a new photography exhibition in Vancouver this holiday season.

Up-and-coming teenage artist Dorothy Zhang is holding her first solo photography exhibition, entitled I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe.

Zhang first came to our attention when she was just 16 years old, holding a solo exhibit of an art installation of a love grave made of white roses.

She went on to move to London to study Fine Art at the world renowned Central St Martins college, and has also been expanding her photography skills.

Now 18 years old, Zhang’s first solo photographic exhibition will take over a pop-up location on Columbia Street on Friday, December 29.

Zhang confesses to Daily Hive that she did indeed think New Zealand was in Europe, but the exhibition is about more than just that.

“I love the dilemmas, naiveness, stupidness, disappointment, and unavailability this sentence had,” she said.

“I think it’s about wanting something you can’t have and not being okay with it.”

A shot from the I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe photo exhibition (Dorothy Zhang)

A shot from the I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe photo exhibition (Dorothy Zhang)

When asked why she went to New Zealand, Zhang declines to answer, although the Facebook event post for her show might assist:

I just moved to London to attend Central St Martins. I just wanted to be happy. I just never learn. I just skipped school. I just took a 26-hour plane. I just didn’t tell my mom. I just took a bunch of photos. I just got on a plane. I just got back. I just went to New Zealand.

Whatever her reasons, Zhang said she hopes her photos showcase “the notion of feeling a type of happiness that is very temporary.”

A shot from the I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe photo exhibition (Dorothy Zhang)

Needless to say, she says she hopes to return to New Zealand again soon. Her exhibition is free to attend.

I Thought New Zealand Was in Europe photo exhibition

When: Friday, December 29 to Sunday December 31

Time: Opening on Friday, from 6 to 11 pm, then open all day over the weekend

Where: 434 Columbia Street, Vancouver

Admission: Free, including refreshments

I Thought New Zealand Was In Europe exhibition poster (Dorothy Zhang)

See also

• This guy created a giant snowshoe art piece in the middle of the Alberta Rockies (VIDEO)
• Vancouver's Kris Wu confirms collaboration with hip-hop legend Pharrell
• New 'Should I Be Worried?' neon artwork in Vancouver part of $115,000 program