Zhang Hui

Zhang Hui (b.1968), born into a family of performers in Beijing in 1968, inherited a rich artistic legacy from his parents deeply immersed in folk music and dance. Studying at the New Mural Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts from 1987 to 1991, he explored materials and conceptual art. In 1995, Zhang Hui made his mark with a collection of oil paintings capturing the twilight ambiance of Beijing, titled "Entry," which garnered widespread acclaim.

Venturing to the United States in 2000 to reunite with his family, Zhang Hui pursued a master's degree at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. There, he experimented with new media art, pushing the boundaries of his creativity. However, by 2003, Zhang Hui returned to his roots in painting with a renewed vision, focusing on the visual allure of the two-dimensional plane through concise colour arrangements and dynamic brushwork.

Returning to Beijing in 2011, Zhang Hui found inspiration in the familiar landscapes and faces surrounding him. His paintings evolved to embody a fusion of memory and present, employing emotional symbols and imagery such as seasonal flora, stacked stones, drifting clouds, and enigmatic figures that blur the line between humanity and divinity.

Zhang Hui's work transcends conventional realism, eschewing the confines of medium language exploration in favour of consciously moulding his own creative expression. Seamlessly integrating motifs dismissed by critics like Greenberg, he revives them with palpable vitality and boundless imagination. With serene mastery, Zhang Hui navigates the remnants of Western classical and traditional Chinese aesthetics, infusing them with a contemporary perception of life.

Free from cultural constraints, Zhang Hui invites viewers to traverse beyond preconceived notions, offering spiritual solace through meticulous observation and profound introspection. Through his paintings, he provides a gateway to a world where established prejudices and estrangements dissolve, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human experience.

Beijing Wawa - Zhang Hui

Beijing Wawa - Zhang Hui
Beijing Wawa - Zhang Hui

Beijing Wawa - Zhang Hui

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