Asian contemporary art is is a thriving scene, filled with incredible talent and awe inspiring works. And there are many points in recent history when Asian artists confronted and challenged their audience. We’ve gathered a few of the most iconic moments when Asian artists generated controversy and changed the art world. Ai Weiwei and an Urn Copyright Guggenheim It’s no surprise that Chinese artist and provocateur Ai Weiwei would land on this list. For the last few decades, he’s been at the center of numerous artworld controversies. But perhaps the biggest was one of the first: his 1995 effort Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn. The piece is a photographic triptych, showing the artist doing exactly what the name suggests — dropping a 2,000 year old ceramic urn. By the third image, the urn is in pieces on the floor. These black and white frames are stark and shocking, with no pomp and circumstance. To add insult to injury, the first attempt at photographing the act was not successful. So to create the piece, Ai actually had to destroy two priceless urns. Critics were outraged. What right did the artist have to destroy something of so much historical and cultural value? ButAi did not bend to these critics. He famously quoted Mao, stating that to build a new world, you have to destroy the old. The resulting artwork generated lots of discussion in a society battling with how to negotiate its move into the future while maintaining the past. Takashi Murakami at Versailles Copyright Reuters The Palace of Versailles is a testament to the artistic achievements of France. What began as a small hunting lodge was expanded into a stunning architectural masterpiece starting in 1661 at the behest of King Louis XIV. Set on a landscape tailored to the neoclassical aesthetic, the Palace bursts at the seams with world renowned baroque artwork that lines its halls. Imagine the controversy then, when Takashi Murakami was set to display his manga and anime inspired sculpture in the hallowed halls of Versaille in 2010. His characters, like the effervescent Miss Ko2, stuck out like a sore thumb to many critics. This three-month show saw thousands of angryRoyalists sign a petition and protest the event, but they were only doing Murakami’s work for him. The resistance to change and the perception of past forms as superior to new ones cemented exactly what the artist was saying all along. And yet, Murakami’s transgressive exhibition has aged well, with people looking back on it as a bold recontextualization of both Murakami’s manga/anime style and what we revere as part of the European canon. It stands as both a clash of cultures and times, and it cemented Murakami as a trickster artist of the highest caliber. Check out 10 other Southeast Asian artists who are getting increasingly bold when it comes to abstract art Yoko Ono’s Cut Piece Yoko Ono has never shied away from controversy, and her 1964 masterpiece of performance art was so eyebrow raising that it helped cement the form as a pillar of the contemporary art scene. In pop culture, the name Yoko Ono is often overshadowed by her marriage to John Lennon of Beatles fame, along with a theory that she helped break up the legendary band. But the truth is, Ono’s work should stand on its own right. Her bravery and inventiveness have made her work some of the best in performance art history. One of her earliest successes remains one of her best. Cut Piece has a simple concept: the artist sits still while audience members are offered a pair of scissors and are invited to use them to cut off pieces of Ono’s clothing. Audiences were stunned into silence and had difficulty understanding what they had witnessed. The work was so provocative that even to hear about it today gives us pause. By putting her own safety on the line, Ono pioneered a fearless form of performance art that has been rarely matched up to the present day. As theSouth east Asian art industry continues to expand, we have seen an increase in established Asian artists from the region displaying their works on RtistiQ art platform. Discover our Asian Art collection & a wide variety of paintings for sale.

RtistiQ

23 Jul 2021

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The world of contemporary art is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, with artists from different corners of the globe making their mark on the artistic discourse. Despite its size and wealth of artistic talent, the art of Asia remains largely unexplored for many people around the world. In this article, we explore the works of nine talented contemporary Asian artists who have been instrumental in shaping the art scene, challenging conventions, and offering fresh perspectives. From traditional mediums to innovative techniques, these artists showcase the rich diversity and cultural vibrancy of Asia's art scene. Yayoi Kusama (Japan) Kusama has been an institution of the contemporary art scene since the 1960s. Her work in pop-art and performance art over the years are now the stuff of legend. Her installations are particularly popular. She often works with red and white polka dot motifs in her installations (like at the Singapore Biennale in 2006 and at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art).More recently, she created an Infinity Room—a dark, mirror-covered enclosure with hanging lights that appear to go on forever. Through her signature use of repetitive patterns and vibrant colors, Kusama explores themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the interplay between the individual and the cosmos. Her immersive installations, such as "Infinity Mirror Rooms," invite viewers to delve into their own introspection and experience the boundless nature of existence. Kusama’s career has spanned fashion, film, painting, performance, and even writing. Nam June Paik (South Korea) Nam June Paik is a highly influential and pioneering contemporary Korean artist who is often regarded as the "father of video art." Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1932, Paik's groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark on the art world, merging technology, performance, and popular culture in innovative and thought-provoking ways. Paik’s work encapsulates the second half of the 20th century. Much of it involved creating sculptures and installation pieces using manipulated television sets and embracing themes of communication and the rapid expanse of technology. Maybe his most notable achievement is TV Buddha (a series beginning in 1974). In this, a statue of the Buddha watches a small television that displays a live feed of the statue itself. Bharti Kher (India) Bharti Kher, an Indian-born artist, explores themes of identity, gender, and mythology in her multidisciplinary practice. Known for her distinctive use of bindis (forehead decorations), Kher's works often incorporate found objects and traditional Indian iconography. Her thought-provoking sculptures and installations challenge societal norms and invite contemplation on the role of women in Indian culture. The artist's works have been exhibited internationally and have garnered critical acclaim. Her powerful and visually arresting pieces have been showcased in prominent institutions and galleries, including the Tate Modern in London, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, and the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Bharti Kher's contributions to contemporary art have made a significant impact, both in India and on the global stage. Through her compelling and thought-provoking works, she continues to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and provoke dialogue about the complexities of identity and culture in our interconnected world. Ai Weiwei (China) Ai is an influential contemporary artist and political activist. His work, connected to the Excessevist movement, includes video, sculpture and installation. One of his most popular pieces is Sunflower Seeds (2010). It was made for the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. It is made up of one hundred million porcelain sunflower seeds—all handcrafted to perfection. The seeds were spread to fill the 1,000 square meter area and stacked up to 10 centimeters high. Through various mediums, including sculpture, photography, and installation, Ai Weiwei addresses issues such as human rights, freedom of expression, and the role of the individual in society. His thought-provoking artworks challenge authority and shed light on the complexities of contemporary Chinese society. His political advocacy for democracy and human rights in his home country has made him a controversial figure there. Sopheap Pich (Cambodia) Sopheap Pich is a celebrated contemporary artist from Cambodia whose works combine sculpture, installation, and conceptual art to explore themes of memory, history, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Born in Battambang, Cambodia, in 1971, Pich experienced the devastating effects of the Khmer Rouge regime, which greatly influenced his artistic practice.Pich uses highly selective materials (like rattan, bamboo, dye, glue, and metal) to connect with his Cambodian heritage. These traditional materials are transformed into intricate sculptures that are both captivating and ephemeral. Pich's art is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and the history of Cambodia. He often incorporates materials deeply connected to Cambodian culture, such as rattan, bamboo, and found objects, into his sculptures and installations. Through his work, Pich explores the complexities of memory, displacement, and the process of healing in the aftermath of war. As the most internationally recognizable Cambodian artist, his work is an important porthole into a culture that is emerging as a major player in the artworld. Han Sai Por (Singapore) Han is a sculptor with a naturalist’s heart. Many of her best known pieces are stone installations crafted to plant forms—mimicking the look and feel of seeds and fruits. But she is also renowned for her geometric work that carefully replicates a logical thought process through visual exploration. Han Sai Por's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her fascination with organic forms found in nature, such as rocks, trees, and water. Her sculptures often incorporate materials like stone, bronze, and wood, which she meticulously carves, shapes, and manipulates to create abstract yet evocative forms. Her works reflect her deep understanding of the inherent beauty and energy present in the natural world. One of Han Sai Por's notable series is the "Rock Series," where she explores the diverse textures, patterns, and qualities of rocks. Through her skillful manipulation of materials, she captures the essence of rocks, conveying their solidity, weight, and geological history. Her sculptures, which range from small, handheld pieces to monumental installations, celebrate the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The Tropical Leaf, Installation outside One Raffles Quay, Singapore Her work appears in public spaces throughout the world, making her art some of the most viewed on the planet, though many people might not recognize that they have walked by, touched and appreciated her work. David Medalla (Philippines) David Medalla, a Filipino artist, was born in Manila in 1942 and has made significant contributions to the international art world. As a multidisciplinary artist, Medalla has explored various mediums, including sculpture, installation, performance art, and painting, throughout his career. His experimental and boundary-pushing approach to art has garnered recognition and acclaim. Medalla was one of the major Filipino voices in contemporary art. And he built that voice using a tremendous range of disciplines, including: sculpture, painting, installation, and more. Medalla's early works were influenced by the Fluxus movement, a global network of artists that emerged in the 1960s. He became associated with the movement and participated in Fluxus events and exhibitions, collaborating with renowned artists such as Yoko Ono and John Cage. Medalla's works often incorporated ephemeral materials and explored concepts of process, transformation, and audience participation. He began his career creating performance art that brought him to prominence and connected him to key artists in Europe. Later, he co-founded the Signal Gallery in London where he spent time working with an international group of artists. He also helped fund and support revolutions as the chairman of Artists for Democracy. One of Medalla's most famous works is "A Stitch in Time" (1968), an ongoing participatory performance piece that involves visitors threading and weaving a collective tapestry. The artwork symbolizes the interconnectivity of individuals and the shared experiences that shape our world. Rirkrit Tiravanija (Thailand) TRirkrit Tiravanija is a highly regarded contemporary artist originally from Argentina but of Thai descent. Born in Buenos Aires in 1961, Tiravanija is known for his influential contributions to the field of relational aesthetics, a concept that emphasizes social interaction and participation as integral components of an artwork.. Tiravanija is a contemporary artist who uses concepts from architecture to reinvent to engage with that central question: how to live? He often creates rooms or entire buildings that reformat the way people cook and eat food or engage in leisure activities. In Untitled 1999 (a replication of the artist’s own apartment in the East Village), participants in the exhibition lived inside it while it was being shown. Tiravanija's works often explore themes of community, cultural exchange, and globalization. He draws inspiration from his Thai heritage and frequently incorporates elements of Thai culture into his installations. His artwork serves as a platform for dialogue, fostering connections and understanding among diverse audiences. Beyond his installations, Tiravanija has also created multimedia works, including video, photography, and text-based pieces. He often collaborates with other artists and musicians, further emphasizing the communal aspect of his art and expanding the possibilities for creative expression. Tiravanija's influential contributions to contemporary art have earned him numerous accolades and exhibitions in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. He has participated in major international art events such as the Venice Biennale and Documenta, solidifying his position as a significant figure in the global art scene. Tiravanija’s continuously playful insight into our lives makes his work exciting and always engaging on a personal level. Shooshie Sulaiman (Malaysia) Born in Kuala Lumpur, Sulaiman's works encompass a diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, installation, and multimedia art. Known for her thought-provoking exploration of identity, history, and cultural heritage, Sulaiman's art carries a powerful narrative that challenges and engages viewers. Sulaiman is an artist who sets a critical eye to today’s culture and the way it both produces and views art. Her oeuvre includes installation, architecture, writing, and drawing. Many of her pieces In the Kedai Runcit No.12 (Sundry Shop No.12, 2011) installation, she created a Malaysian general store that sold food and art side-by-side, completely recontextualizing both. It highlights the importance of art as a nutritious activity, as well as highlighting its current status as a mere commodity. Sulaiman’s inventive and always growing catalogue of provocative work make her one of the contemporary Asian artists you should know. Conclusion: The ten contemporary Asian artists highlighted in this article represent a mere fraction of the vibrant artistic talent emerging from the region. Through their unique perspectives, innovative techniques, and thought-provoking themes, they challenge traditional boundaries, question societal norms, and invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions. These artists contribute to the global art scene, enriching it with the cultural diversity and depth of the Asian artistic landscape. As they continue to create, these visionary artists pave the way for further exploration and appreciation of contemporary Asian art.

RtistiQ

16 Jul 2021

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Abstract art has roots across many cultures, and the contemporary art scene is now filled with many artists working in the abstract from every region on Earth. Hence, the understanding of abstract art can vary among individuals with different backgrounds. Below, we’ve assembled 10 of the most exciting abstract artists from Southeast Asia. These artists represent a wide variety of aesthetic approaches and span multiple generations. What is clear from these artists is that Southeast Asia continues to produce some of the most exciting voices in the world of abstract art. No survey of the field is complete without their work. Vietnam 1. Ha Manh Thang (b. 1980) Cry For A Flag #2 (2020) [SOURCE] Ha Manh Thang is a Vietnamese artist who is working at the forefront of his culture. As tidal shifts continue to occur since Doi Moi — a series of reforms set forth in 1986 that have brought Western corporations and values into the country — he discusses these ongoing changes on the canvas. His abstract works are as much studies in texture as in color, using the paint to build forms that cast shadows and reach out from the surface. While his figurative pieces are often satirical confrontations with society, these newest experimentations give his work a more universal tone. Ha Manh Thang received a degree from Hanoi Fine Arts University in 2004, going on to participate in several notable regional and international exhibitions. He currently lives in Hanoi. 2. Tulip Duong (b. 1966) My Window (2018) [SOURCE] Tulip Duong revels in the fast paced, the things in the world that are coming into being. Her abstract art borders on representation, though it never quite coheres into a full image. Instead, the pieces hang in that liminal space just before fully materializing. Working from her Hanoi studio, Tulip Duong has shown work around the world, touching on global issues while still maintaining Vietnamese characteristics in her compositions. This riveting connection is held together by her singular voice. The centrality of her viewpoint runs throughout her oeuvre, even as her paintings continue to explore new horizons. Since 2000, Tulip Duong’s work has appeared in several group and solo shows, as well as publications. 3. Tran Tuan (b. 1961) Spring (2012) [SOURCE] Vietnamese artist Tran Tuan’s career covers many different forms and approaches, but all of his work stands out as vivid, colorful and energetic studies. These paintings are alive with bold, heavy brushstrokes stitched together in unexpected ways. His abstract work takes a maximalist approach, every inch of his canvases are alive and urgent. He manages these brilliant palettes through an almost athletic vigor. The overwhelming images deliver the viewer over to a world entirely its own, one built out of dazzling color and intricate brushwork. Tran Tuan’s work appears in private collections throughout Europe, North America and Australia. He received his degree from Fine Art University of Hanoi in 1990. Indonesia 4. Christine Ay Tjoe (b. 1973) Large Space of Shoots #2 (2020) [SOURCE] Chrstine Ay Tjoe is an Indonesian artist who restlessly seeks out the depths of the human condition. Her work spans many mediums, including: intaglio prints, textiles, painting, drawing, sculpture and large-scale installations. Her abstract paintings carry on the mission of her entire career, evoking the power — and darkness — in subjective experience. These works are splashes of complex forms on white canvas, both cryptic and beautiful. While an initial glance might only find confusion, a closer look reveals intricate control and detail work. These are intricately crafted pieces, with forms that seem to arise spontaneously out of the amorphous composition. Christine Ay Tjoe works in Bandung, her hometown. Her work has appeared around the world. 5. Erizal As (b. 1979) Formless Existence (2019) [SOURCE] Erizal As creates rhythmic, almost musical abstract works. His muscular brushstrokes and use of heavy layers of paint create crowded canvases that deliver up an excessive bounty. In all that excess is patterning akin to syncopation, a tension between the expectation of the viewer and where the art ultimately takes them. His work deals in real subject matter, but it handles scenes and portraiture in an entirely abstract way. This approach delivers an experience very rare in abstract painting, again testing expectations. His work often takes on themes like authenticity, or the lack of it, often with a critical eye toward society and power. Erizal As received his education at the Indonesian Institute of Fine Art. His selected group and solo exhibitions have appeared across Southeast Asia. 6. Rinaldi Syam (b. 1976) Landscape Color (2019) [SOURCE] Rinaldi Syam is a painter and sculptor working out of Indonesia. His abstract paintings are filled with sumptuous forms in a kind of collage, quilted together in rough edged regions. The soft texture draws the eye in, and the complex composition keeps the viewer there to decode what they have found. His work sometimes moves from the abstract to the surreal, but always with hallucinatory grandeur and a deeply felt sense of beauty. While his canvas sometimes overflows with detail, there is a gentleness to his technique, always rendering forms with reverence. That care and tenderness seeps out when looking at his paintings, a calming force that quietsthe space. Rinaldi Syam lives and works in Yogyakarta. His work has won several awards in both Indonesia and Japan. Thailand: 7. Nim Kruasaeng (b. 1974) [SOURCE] Nim Kruasaeng’s paintings are simple, elegant observations. Their presence is unassuming and yet captivating. They gradually make their way through to the viewer, never demanding attention but always earning it — the way you lean in when someone whispers. The pieces often rely on rhythm and a palette of only two or three colors. Her ability to get the most out of these pared down elements reveals the mastery of the artist and her guiding obsessions: the relation between bodies in space, the pleasure of a perfect line, the ability to say more with suggestion than direct description. It is through thesegrounding ideas that her delicate and meditative work flows. Nim Kruaseng is a self-taught artist who found recognition in the 1990’s from peers in the Thai art scene. She currently lives and works in both Bangkok and Pattaya. 8. Udomsak Krisanamis (b. 1966) Your Disco Needs You (2001) [SOURCE] Udomsak Krisanamis has built a career out of conceptually rigorous paintings that continue to develop a single line of thought. Through the integration of mixed-media on his canvas — including cellophane, noodles, newspaper, among other items — he builds pieces that combine strict formalism with exploration at the borders of these self-imposedlimits. The diversity born out of this single project is sweeping, though always anchored by his trademark style. The longer one takes in his work, the more one gets into the headspace of its creator. It is a journey into an uncompromising artistic vision that continues to remake the world. Udomsak Krisanamis currently lives and works in Bangkok. He received his education at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok and the Art Institute of Chicago. His solo and group exhibitions have shown internationally. Singapore: 9. Genevieve Chua (b. 1984) EdgeControl #21, More True Than False (2017) [SOURCE] Genevieve Chua makes abstract work that seeks to evoke natural forms while always inserting visual reference from technological artifacts like the glitch. She aggressively explores beyond the expected presentation of painting, pushing the uneasy mix of the natural and the digital even further. Her work often breaks out of the traditional canvas, exploring unique objects to introduce abstract painting. She incorporates shaped canvases that come together to produce a kind of deconstructed canvas for her to explore. She also integrates printing methods to ground her painting, like screen prints and giclée prints. Genevieve Chua received her education at the Royal College of Art in London. Her solo exhibitions have spanned Asia, with group exhibitions around the world. 10. Jamie Tan (b. 1990) IntoxicatedCalls (2018) [SOURCE] Jamie Tan takes color field into the next century with a unique take on the genre that is informed as much by the structure of computer displays as the career of Rothko. Rather than taking off into highly conceptual detours, his work keeps returning to color. The paintings use a sophisticated understanding of that single tool and continue to reimagine how to present it. The clean lines and interlaced patterns of color strips that define Jamie Tan’s work produce energy and movement through their interaction. But these pieces are not just practices in color theory. They also serve as a link in the discussion begun by color field painters from the century past with the current visual landscape of contemporary society. Jamie Tan earned a degree in Fine Arts from Lasalle College of the Arts in 2017. His first solo show debuted in 2019 Inspired by the artists? Shop abstract art on RtistiQ Art Marketplace. Enjoy 7 Day Delivery & 14 Day Return policy for all users today. Author: Jonathan M Clark

RtistiQ

13 Apr 2021

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Over the past decade, the Chinese art market has seen a huge growth spurt, leaving the confines of the domestic market and making expansive forays into the global art scene. In this short time, it has managed to carve a niche for itself in the often-aggressive global art auction landscape. As a testament to this extraordinary growth, it is now the second-largest in the world. At the core of this thriving art scene are the artists who drive the interest in Chinese art. Their artistic styles are as rich and diverse as the culture and landscape of this vast country, ranging from contemporary art and abstract art paintings to Chinese ink. Here, we explore 8 Chinese artists to follow this year. 1.Cui Ruzhuo Source: chinesenewart.com Cui Ruzhuo is a veritable doyen in the field of contemporary Chinese ink painting. He was born in Beijing, China in the year 1944 and he honed his skills under the tutelage of the inventive and prolific painter and calligrapher, Li kuchan. He started his career as a teacher at the prestigious Academy of arts and design in Beijing, after which he relocated to the United states in 1981. He returned to China in the year 1996 and soon afterwards his works began to be acknowledged and honored in political circles. Apart from his artistic pursuits he devoted his time to mentoring doctoral students at the Chinese National Academy of Art. Ruzhuo often employs traditional methods and imagery through a technique known as historical literati painting, which makes his compositions of Chinese landscapes and mountains appear ethereal, almost meditative to the viewer. One of his greatest achievements is the landscape finger painting. With his inimitable style and methods Ruzhuo converted ink brush painting to finger painting, opening up new realms of aesthetics and styles in the Chinese painting scene. Ruzhuo, through a potent mix of reality and imagination manages to capture the essence of the landscape and the delicate quality of the space and time which gives his paintings an almost meditative and mysterious quality. His works have been collected by institutions and collectors globally and his record setting works at auctions have made him one of the most expensive living Chinese artist at auctions. His iconic painting titled ‘Lotus’ garnered more than 15 million dollars at a Christie’s auction in Hongkong and his ‘Landscape in the snow’ sold for over 30 million dollars at Poly auction in Hongkong , making him one of the most expensive living Chinese artist at the time. 2. Liu Ye Image Credit: Sothebys Liu Ye is one of the stalwarts in the field of contemporary Chinese oil paintings. His compositions have been inspired and influenced by Western abstract artists like Piet Mondrian and Paul Klee. His paintings often feature young children standing before paintings in his trademark colorful and stylized images and often include the Dutch cartoon character Miffy. Born in Beijing in 1964, he specialized in mural paintings from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and proceeded to earn an MFA from the Berlin university of Arts. What sets his work apart from his contemporaries is that fact that Yes’s paintings do not seek to engage with the political and economic landscape of the country. He strives to broaden his views, bringing in elements from his own imagination and things which spike his interest, taking in a broader view of humanity and the ever-changing human conditions. Liu has had solo exhibitions at a variety of famous institutions, including museums and galleries all around the world. His work can be found in the permanent collection of museums such as the Shanghai Art museum and the Long museum among many others. He is a formidable name in some of the world’s leading auction houses. His painting titled ‘Sword’ was sold for HK$42.68 m at Sotheby’s Hongkong in 2013 and another one titled ‘Smoke’ was sold for a record price of HK$52.18 at Sotheby’s Hongkong. 3. Huang Jiannan Image Credit: Artnet Huang Jiannan is a Chinese artist of domestic and international fame. He was born in 1952 in China. Mostly a self-taught artist, he developed a unique style of painting in the early days of his life. In the fall of 1977, he visited a prominent artist of South China Ink painting, Guan Shanyue and became his student. His unique style combines traditional ink with Western oil paintings, and he has a propensity for using bright colors. His forte is landscape styled paintings. Huang's color ink painting ‘The Loop of Nature’ was displayed and collected by the gallery Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. His work has been featured at a variety of prestigious auctions with a realized price of up to $827,215 USD, for his painting titled ‘Mountain range’ sold at Poly international auction co. in 2015. 4. Zhou Chunya Image Credit: Tatler Zhou Chunya is a renowned contemporary Chinese oil painting artist. He is best known for his series titled ‘Green dog’ and is said to be influenced by his affection for his pet who died shortly before he embarked on this series. He was born in Chongqing in China in 1955 and did his studies at the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts and proceeded to receive his MFA from the Kassel Academy of Fine Arts in Germany in 1988. His time spent abroad helped him embrace western methodologies and combine it effectively with traditional Chinese calligraphy. His work is exhibited in a variety of prestigious institutions including the All Show Art Center and the Tang contemporary art center in Beijing, The Shanghai Gallery of Art, The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. His painting titled ‘China Scenery’ sold for 44.27 million yuan (US$6.71 million) in 2017 at a China Guardian auction in Beijing. In 2013, Zhou was ranked the second most expensive Chinese contemporary artist in the world. 5.Fan Zeng Image Credit: asia-art.net Fan Zeng is often described as one of the greatest artists of China. He specializes in Chinese ink art. He was born on July 5, 1938 in Nantong ,China. He was a student at the Central Academy of Fine Arts where he was under the tutelage of Wu Zuoren, Li Keran, Jiang Zhaohe, and Li Kuchan. He is renowned for his mastery of traditional Chinese painting techniques. He artfully mixes elements such as landscape, flower and bird along with elements of poetry and calligraphy. His fame has led to the establishment of museums to exhibit his work both in China and Japan. At a magnificent art exhibition held in 1988 in Hongkong, his masterpiece, “The Parade of the Beauties” was sold for HK$12,000,000. (almost 2 million U.S. dollars) 6.Leng Jun Leng Jun is a contemporary Chinese oil painting artist who his renowned for his hyper realistic painting of women. The paintings are unique in the sense that they look like actual photographs, down to the little wisp of hair or fold of a dress. He was born in 1963 and graduated from the Fine Arts department at the Hankou Branch of Wuhan Normal College in 1984.He was deeply influenced by the phenomenon known as ‘opening of China’ wherein information from the west was accessible and helped him develop his artistic aesthetics. His paintings have been sold at auctions throughout the country and have been acquired by both private collectors and institutions. He is an influential name in the Chinese art world. 7. Zeng Fanzhi Zeng Fanzhi is a contemporary Chinese painter dealing with oil medium. He is known for his vivid depiction of human faces verging on the abstract. He was born in 1964 in Wuhan and studied at the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts where he developed an interest in German expressionist painting. His iconic painting ‘Tiananmen’ delves into the changing face of Chinese culture. He is an artist of great renown and is highly sought after. His vivid painting ‘Mask Series no6’ broke the record at an auction in 2008 at Christie's Hong Kong. Fanzhi’s artwork titled ‘The last supper’ was sold at Sotheby’s Hongkong for a whopping US$23.3 million, setting a new record for contemporary Asian artwork. 8. Zhang Xiogang Zhang Xiogang is a Chinese contemporary artist of fame. His paintings are mostly in the oil painting genre, with a highly stylized almost surreal portraits of people who pose stiffly and formally. His work mainly focuses on the aftermath of the cultural revolution and the relevance of family history and memory in modern day China. He was born 1958 in Kunming, China, and studied painting at the Sichuan Academy of fine arts in Chongqing. He chanced upon a series of old family photographs which served as an inspiration for his celebrated series ‘Bloodline’. His work has been exhibited in famous institutions around the world including Pace gallery in New York and the 1995 Venice Biennale and the Daegu Art museum. In 007, a painting of his sold for US$ 6 million at Sotheby’s and in 2011, his oil work titled ‘Forever Lasting Love’ sold for HK$ 79 million, a record price for a contemporary art work from China. Author: Anupama Vijayakumar RtistiQ is an online art gallery with the vision of connecting global artists and art collectors with the passion for art. Explore our wide collection of paintings available for purchase online. Shop today !

RtistiQ

11 Feb 2021

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