This catalogue accompanies the solo exhibition of Chinese artist Qiu Anxioing at OCT Contemporary Art Terminal in Shenzhen from July to August 2011. 

This exhibition centers around the theme of the zoo and the animal and its relationship with human beings. The artist takes a broad definition of the zoo: not only is it a confining area which restricts the movement of animals, but also a place where animals and humans live together. The paradox of the zoo lies on the fact that it is a place of limitations (however close it resembles natural habitats) while human society is established based on the ideals of freedom. In light of this the artist explores three problematics in the exhibition, namely the animality of human beings, the boundary between human and animal, and the history of civilisation vis-a-vis barbarism. Works presented in the exhibition includes drawings, paintings, installations inspired from different sources ranging from classical Greek myth, medieval imagery of animals to contemporary stories to examine the complicate relationships between human and animal.

Includes essays that extend the exhibition from perspectives of literature, philosophy, religion and law, an interview with the artist, and a biography.

With a booklet containing some of the texts in the catalogue translated into English.