Zhu Deyong, a trailblazer in contemporary comic art, has captured urban life’s hustle and heartfelt moments with hits like Uptown Singles and Battle Domestica. In an exclusive conversation, he opens up about his creative journey and why he chooses to “run away” to protect his genuine voice.
Finding Truth in Childhood
The roots of Zhu’s storytelling trace back to his earliest memories. “I believe our childhood holds the truest version of who we are,” he reflects. For him, drawing began as pure joy—a spontaneous act that later evolved into therapy, a personal refuge when the world felt overwhelming.
Running Away to Stay True
Today’s landscape, Zhu argues, is dominated by utility and commerce, where every idea seems driven by profit. To counter this, he opts to step back. “I run away to salvage my authenticity,” he says, seeking spaces that nourish the soul rather than feeding greed.
Building His Small World
At the heart of his practice lies what Zhu calls his “small world”: a creative realm fueled by painting, music and boundless imagination. He believes these inner worlds are essential. “One day, the big world might need the small worlds inside each of us to hold it together,” he explains, highlighting how personal creativity can shape collective resilience.
Zhu Deyong’s journey reminds us that authenticity often requires space to breathe. In curating his small world, he invites fans and fellow creators to rediscover their own childhood passions and find refuge in the simple act of making something real.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
