Zheng Zaidong was born in Taipei in 1953. He was active in the art scene of Taiwan, China, in the 1980s and 1990s, and moved his studio to Shanghai after 2000. He currently works and lives in Shanghai.
Zheng Zaidong’s paintings are concise and vivid, often adopting a partial or corner composition reminiscent of the styles of Ma Yuan and Xia Gui from the Song Dynasty. Abandoning Western aerial perspective, his works feature clear outlines and bright colors, giving them a decorative feel, while the fluffy brushstrokes reveal a sense of vitality. His unique approach lies in rearranging the light, shade, and depth of the scenery, evoking a sense of timelessness. Thus, the ordinary world takes on a "lonely and serene feeling," and urban landscapes appear "elegantly close to nature." Zheng Zaidong's earlier works were rich with austere philosophical reflections, while his recent pieces convey a warmer sensibility—refined, delicate, and emotional. Amid leisurely, even idle daily life, he contemplates the ways and meanings of existence. Zheng Zaidong has held solo exhibitions worldwide, including at the Aurora Museum, Shanghai Powerlong Museum, Long Museum, Kwai Fung in Hong Kong, Taichung Cultural Center, Hyundai Gallery in Seoul, and Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto.