On view:
October 16 — November 14, 2026
Opening during the Artists’ Mixer on Friday, October 16, 5-8pm
We Are California Artists: Wanxin Zhang and Diane Ding
In conjunction with the ICA San José’s 2026 Fall Benefit and Art Auction, and in tribute to Wanxin Zhang and Diane Ding, the ICA is pleased to present a selection of Zhang’s sculptures alongside Ding’s works that reflect their shared life and studio practice in California for over three decades.
Zhang’s sculptures bring together humor, material presence, social observation, and contemporary cultural commentary. Through an expansive practice rooted in ceramics and sculpture, Zhang has become one of the leading figures of the new generation of the California Clay Movement, recognized for his enduring contribution to the evolution of contemporary ceramic art.
Diane Ding’s Daily Ink Journal series captures fleeting emotions and subtle psychological shifts found in everyday life, transforming intimate observations into profound artistic gestures. These seemingly small yet deeply meaningful works reveal the complexity and richness of human experience.
Together, Zhang and Ding’s distinct artistic voices and studio practices are intertwined through shared experiences of migration, family, craft, and daily life. Their collaborative journey reflects a lasting dedication to artistic exploration and a significant contribution to California’s diverse and evolving contemporary art landscape.
The Second Summer, 2024
High fired clay with glaze
42 x 35 x 16 inches
Courtesy the artist and Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco
