Zeng Fanzhi

Zeng Fanzhi, born in Wuhan, Hubei, in 1964, grew up during the Cultural Revolution in China. He attended the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts from 1987 to 1991, where he studied oil painting and developed an interest in German Expressionism. Zeng's early works include the "Meat Series" and "Hospital Triptychs," characterized by an objective yet visceral approach. After moving to Beijing in the early 1990s, Zeng's art evolved to reflect his experiences in a rapidly changing urban environment. His "Mask Series," initiated in 1994, became a defining body of work, exploring themes of alienation and the tension between public appearance and inner emotion. Zeng has since expanded his artistic practice, with later periods including "Wild Strokes" and abstract landscapes, demonstrating a continuous exploration of style and subject matter. Zeng Fanzhi is considered one of the most financially successful artists in Asia, with his works setting auction records for Chinese contemporary art. He is represented by prominent galleries and his work is held in significant collections worldwide.