Banner Image: “Untitled” – January 2003, block of wood, acrylic color, 122 x 82 x 8cm. Fan Zhongming
“Making art is about 50 years long journey and an adventure to unknown world for me. All masters what ever eastern or western are the guiders for my art journey both esthetically and technically.”
A Journey of Artistic Growth and Exploration
Born in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai in 1958, the renowned artist, Fan Zhongming, embarked on a journey that would lead him to become an influential figure in the world of art. Completing his formal education at the prestigious Shanghai Normal University in 1984, he then ventured to Japan the following year to further refine his artistic abilities.
As a testament to Fan’s exceptional talent and dedication to his craft, he was honored with the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation/Asian Cultural Council Artist Award in 1989. This accolade not only affirmed the artist’s accomplishments but also facilitated a creative sojourn in the United States, allowing him to draw inspiration from diverse cultural contexts.
From 1990 to 1996, the accomplished artist shared his expertise as a distinguished faculty member at the Tokyo School of Art in Japan. In this role, Fan played a vital part in shaping the minds of the next generation of artists, while simultaneously honing his own skills and expanding his artistic repertoire.
“Fantasy of Clock” – November 2022, blocks of wood, acrylic color, 40 x 48 x 12cm &
“She is Looking Forward” – February 2023, blocks of wood, acrylic color, 110 x 64 x 6cm.
Fan Zhongming
Embracing Cultural Fusion: A Multifaceted Artistic Perspective
Currently, Fan Zhongming divides his time between Shanghai and Tokyo, immersing himself in the vibrant art scenes of both cities. This multicultural approach has allowed the artist to cultivate a unique artistic perspective, one that fuses the distinct elements of Eastern and Western traditions. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, Fan continues to contribute to the global artistic landscape through his innovative works and enduring influence on future generations of artists.
Over the course of his 50-year artistic journey, Fan Zhongming has ventured into uncharted territories, drawing inspiration from renowned masters of both Eastern and Western traditions. These distinguished mentors have significantly influenced Zhongming’s development in terms of aesthetics and technique. Beginning at a young age, the artist immersed himself in various art forms, ranging from traditional Chinese ink painting to an array of Western art movements.
Fan’s extensive exposure to a variety of styles, such as academism, post-impressionism, cubism, and minimalism, has allowed him to explore and experiment with diverse approaches. As he navigated these artistic waters, Zhongming gradually honed a unique painting style that synthesizes the lessons and influences absorbed from each movement. Today, his distinct approach stands as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of artistic expression that has defined his journey thus far, reflecting a lifelong dedication to artistic exploration and personal growth.
“Nightfall” – March 2023, blocks of wood, acrylic color, 78 x 67 x 6cm.
Fan Zhongming
Innovative Techniques: A Harmony of Influences
Fan Zhongming has developed a unique approach to his craft throughout his illustrious career. His innovative techniques and incorporation of diverse elements within his work set him apart from his contemporaries. Fan’s ability to intertwine influences from various sources, including American formalism and ancient Eastern philosophy, has garnered admiration from both critics and art enthusiasts alike.
The beginning of Zhongming’s artistic journey can be traced back to New York City, where he first encountered the American formalism movement. This encounter led him to draw inspiration from several key figures within the movement, integrating their stylistic approaches into his own work. As Fan’s career progressed, he began to experiment with different artistic elements, enriching his visual vocabulary and fostering a sense of growth within his oeuvre.
In his most recent works, Fan Zhongming has turned to the profound philosophy of Zhuangzi, an esteemed Chinese philosopher. Embracing Zhuangzi’s wisdom, he seeks to convey the notion that the underlying truth of the universe can be found in even the most humble of objects. By doing so, the artist transcends conventional boundaries and imbues his creations with a deeper, more universal significance.
“Black Cat” – November 2022, blocks of wood, acrylic color, 17 x 29 x 4cm.
Fan Zhongming
Defying Conventions: A Unique and Captivating Body of Work
Fan’s fusion of American formalism and ancient Eastern philosophy has resulted in a captivating and sophisticated body of work. The artist consistently invites viewers to not only appreciate the beauty of his paintings, but also to reflect on the fundamental truths they embody. Through his unique artistic vision, Fan Zhongming demonstrates the power of art to reveal the hidden complexities of our world and inspire a deeper understanding of our place within it.
Fan Zhongming showcases his innovative and creative techniques in his artwork. His signature style is characterized by the utilization of unconventional materials and a keen sense of color. Throughout his artistic career, Zhongming has consistently pushed boundaries, exploring new dimensions and challenging conventional approaches to painting.
Fan expertly blends three-dimensional forms with two-dimensional representation, resulting in a captivating visual experience that defies traditional flat paintings. This unique approach has earned him acclaim for his ability to imbue each piece with a heightened sense of depth and dynamism.
Fan Zhongming’s artwork is a testament to his boundless creativity and passion for reinventing artistic norms. By employing alternative materials and exploring the interplay between dimensions, he has carved a distinct path for himself within the world of art, garnering recognition and admiration along the way.
“The Roof of Paris” – July 2022, blocks of wood, acrylic color, 67 x 46 x 4cm.
Fan Zhongming
