On September 8, 2024, the art project "Zhao Renhui: Urban Wilderness Detective" was unveiled at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Center Commercial Plaza. To mark the occasion, Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art hosted an opening dialogue featuring artist Zhao Renhui, curator Chen Ya from Jiangsu Art Museum, Dr. Xiao Lingyun, Assistant Professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's School of Environmental and Health Sciences, and moderator Wang Xiaosong, Executive Director of Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art. Chen Ya, curator of the "Human Zoo" and "Human Zoo 2.0" projects, explored the complex relationship between humans and animals, as well as the potential for art to intervene, from historical, artistic, mythological perspectives, and the practical needs of modern zoos. Dr. Xiao Lingyun has long been focused on the research and conservation of snow leopards in natural wilderness environments and also conducts biodiversity monitoring within Suzhou city, studying the related impacts brought about by urbanization. The dialogue will start from Zhao Renhui's artistic practice of using imagery to explore the relationship between humans and nature, discussing from multiple angles and levels how to use different methods to respond to the widely concerning environmental issues of the present day.
