Artwork Collection

01 For Jurying Consideration

Dust of Buzhou is a series of narrative illustrations set in a war-torn Eastern land, where humans uncover the decayed corpses of their Mother Goddesses, Tian-ren. These beings, once worshipped as the bringers of music and writing, are now overtaken by fungi, releasing hallucinogenic spores. Through different characters’ perspective, this story delves into how the thirst for power warps faith and intertwines with the unforeseen consequences of attempting to control the divine.

Mythology Story-telling Reverence and Desecration

Illustration

Flourish

This brick relief depicts an ancient ritual scene, recording the first encounter between human beings and the Tian-ren’s divine gift. Thousands of years ago, people gathered at the foot of Buzhou Mountain, offering reverence to the Mother... More

Illustration

Murmurs of the Lost

This illustration marks the beginning of the story, as Alvi, one of the main characters, follows rumors to the Buzhou Mountain in search of Tian-ren’s corpse.

Illustration

Portrait of the Mother Goddess

This illustration, designed in the dimensions of a Chinese painting scroll, depicts an idealized portrait of Tian-ren. The flowing ribbons symbolize the human womb, while the sleeves suggest female genitalia, highlighting Tian-ren’s role as... More

Illustration

The Chasing Shadow

In this intense scene, Alvi finds herself in a life-or-death confrontation as she journeys back to the capital. On her path, she encounters the queen’s soldiers—humans twisted and controlled by the spores of the Tian-ren’s body. Their minds and... More

Illustration

The Dissection of Tian-Ren

This piece presents a stark contrast to the previous sacred portrayals of the Tian-ren. Instead of an idealized, divine form, the body of a celestial being now laid bare for study. The once-revered Tian-ren is dissected on a ritualistic platter,... More

Illustration

The Queen's Mirage

The owner of the golden eye finally reveals herself as the young ruler of the country. At the grand unveiling of the Tian-ren’s corpse, the queen orchestrates a spectacle of awe and deception. Using hallucinogenic spores, she conjures a mirage of... More

Illustration

The Renegade

After confirming the existence of the Tian-ren’s body, Alvi quickly returns to the capital to resume her duties. Though a loyal member of the Queen's secret police, she has grown tired of being a pawn in the game of power. Amid the chaos... More

Illustration

Washi Tape Designs

These looping Washi tape designs bring elements of the Dust of Buzhou series into functional art. The top design features a dynamic pattern of a bird chasing the sun, symbolizing the eternal pursuit of power and freedom. Hidden within the pattern... More

Work by

Caden Zhang

Illustration, Concept Art

“Dust of Buzhou is a series of narrative illustrations set in a war-torn Eastern land, where humans uncover the decayed corpses of their Mother Goddesses, Tian-ren. These beings, once worshipped as...” [More]