The Second That Twitched by Qianying Zhu

Artist list

Qianying Zhu

Qianying Zhu holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a Master of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. She describes her creative philosophy as one that thinks like a toymaker. This approach is driven by continuous experimentation, curiosity, and inspiration. By merging traditional metalworking techniques with emerging technologies such as 3D printing, Zhu creates works that balance meticulous design with spontaneous creativity.

A central theme in Zhu’s practice is her contemporary reinterpretation of the Chinese zodiac. In her work, the twelve zodiac animals are no longer simply symbols of time. Instead, they take on new forms as toys, food, or broken rules, becoming vivid characters in the narratives she constructs. For instance, in Candies (2025), the zodiac figures appear as hard candies spilling out of a wrapper, symbolizing scattered fragments of time and moments of unexpected emotion. This piece functions both as a brooch and a necklace, reflecting Zhu’s interest in how fleeting feelings can be made tangible through design.

In Oops (2025), the zodiac animals become airborne popcorn in a humorous and chaotic “theater” scene, complete with movie tickets and concession stand imagery. This piece explores the emotional dynamics of disorder and surprise, inviting viewers to reflect on the seemingly minor incidents that often become the most vivid and memorable.
Her series titled Transformation Experiment (2025) distorts and reconstructs the zodiac figures by stretching, blurring, and combining them. The use of plush textures and irregular forms reflects Zhu’s exploration of memory and identity as shifting and mutable. The zodiac animals are no longer clearly identifiable but exist in a fluid state that hovers between familiarity and strangeness.

In her Fun Collection: DO NOT Symbol (2025), Zhu pairs each zodiac animal with familiar public prohibition signs. This unexpected juxtaposition introduces humor and irony into visual language. In the brooch Chicken Consumption Prohibited, for example, the rooster is humorously transformed into a packaged supermarket product, pointing to the commodification of cultural symbols in contemporary society. In Horse Riding Not Permitted, the brightly colored horse contrasts starkly with the dark prohibition sign, drawing attention to the disappearance of traditional symbols in a rapidly changing world. In Discussion of Dragons Is Not Allowed, the dragon, which is often regarded as the most powerful figure in the Chinese zodiac, is quietly paired with a symbol of silence. This pairing alludes to the subtle suppression of cultural identity.


Zhu’s work is distinguished not only by her technical mastery and inventive use of materials but also by her significant contributions to the fields of cultural expression, emotional storytelling, and artistic experimentation. Her unique approach redefines the Chinese zodiac within a contemporary art context, bringing new meaning and vitality to long-held traditions. With a practice that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging, she has emerged as a leading voice in the world of contemporary jewelry. Her work offers fresh inspiration and new possibilities for the future of wearable art.

The above works are featured in Zhu’s solo exhibition The Second That Twitched, currently presented at A Space Gallery in Brooklyn, New York. 
The exhibition runs until June 7, 2025.