Zhaolin is a theatre maker, migrant artist trained at Curious School of Puppetry. He explores immigration and belonging through puppetry, storytelling and live performance. He uses objects, miniature worlds to create a detached perspective, reflecting on personal stories while creating space for connection and catharsis. He is exploring using mapping to represent being in-between places, trace the meanings and memories we attach to them, and how these are shaped by forces beyond our control. His performance Walking Cats, about living in Kilburn as a new migrant during lockdown through a LEGO cat, won the Origins Award at VAULT Festival 2023.
“During the Artsadmin residency, I will continue my exploration of migration and belonging, drawing on my journey of having to leave the UK and return to China because of my visa situation. I will use writing and mapping to reflect on this experience. I’m excited to continue working with the model box and illustrated cards created for Walking Cats, exploring new meanings and ways of performing with these objects. They represent Kilburn and my hometown in China, two places I have called home. I’m interested in what new stories might emerge from bringing these places together, and in finding more environmentally friendly ways of making work.” – Zhaolin
