Evolene by Sam Mao
Film

A film documenting Evolene (Zhang Xiaohua), a 49 year old Chinese women (ATOF), who was a student (now graduate) of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and her exploration, inspirations, and growth in her pursuit with abstract expressionism having transitioned from a successful business career with no previous experiences in art.

The film is in Chinese with English subtitles.

Featuring Evolene Xiaohua Zhang.

“Great cinematography, excellent audio, good pacing and balance between seeing the artist at work and seeing her actual work. There were several nice touches. One of my favorites was the juxtaposition of Evolene watering her plants on her studio window sill and applying water droplets to her artwork. I also liked seeing her one work transform over time and also the way the film frames the comparisons between Evolene's art and works by de Kooning, etc. Evolene was a great character to focus on - engaging, likable, so articulate about her alignment with art.”

- Jill Drew, former journalist at The Washington Post