Cute or Cruel - Armadillos

Zidi Gong is a contemporary artist specialising in ceramics, metal, and glass. Her work is deeply inspired by daily life and the complex dynamics between humans and nature, focusing on humanity’s role within ecosystems and its far-reaching impact. As Zidi observes: ‘Under the subjective lens through which humanity views nature, there often lies a conflict and opposition between nature in its essence and our perception of it — beautiful/ugly, cute/cruel… These contradictions invariably permeate human society, giving rise to new issues.’ Her Cute or Cruel? series examines these themes, focusing on species such as pufferfish, porcupines, and armadillos. The defense mechanisms these creatures rely on are crucial to their survival but are often misunderstood by humans as ‘cute’, thus concealing their underlying fear and struggle. Through handbuilt ceramic techniques, Zidi deconstructs these creatures’ postures, creating fragmented, textured pieces that challenge anthropocentric views and advocate for coexistence.