The year is 1964. Cultural revolution in China is looming, and renowned Zeng Fanzhi is born in Wuhan. Fanzhi grew up on a narrow alley amid cultural turmoil surrounded by a diverse group of craftsmen, locksmiths, blacksmiths, and masons.
The strong memories taking root within Fanzhi began to materialize when he picked up a paintbrush at the age of 8. At the age of 16, Fanzhi was introduced to a new mentor Little Yan who took Fanzhi to see the Hubei Institue of Fine Arts. This was the epiphany for Fanzhi, the moment he knew he wanted to persue art and get into the painting department at this school.
Over the course of his life, there have been many phases in his artwork. His works burst with color and meaning. Among all, there is a strong sense of technique and emotion. He listens to his heart, creating amazing artwork that is rich with contemporary themes.
“The language of art is universal. They can understand your thoughts and emotions. I think they can understand most of them. I think an artist should follow his heart and create, then move forward. If you keep repeating yourself then that’s a waste of your artistic life.”
-Zeng Fanzhi
Works cited: (direct interview)
“Zeng Fanzhi explains the theory and thought behind his work” YouTube, uploaded by NOWNESS, 1 Sep 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yhOJ3mfrMc&ab_channel=NOWNESS
Image source:
https://www.shanghartgallery.com/galleryarchive/artist.htm?artistId=15
This site has many more of his amazing works, check them out!
Sheri Lullo
So interesting. Zeng’s most famous works are his masks series, though you should a completely different painting above. You might shape show around the range of works Zeng has created (and issues he addresses), or focus in on one series.