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Wang Keping Biography
Wang Keping, born in 1949 near Beijing, is a pivotal figure in the realm of contemporary Chinese art. His journey from a founding member of China's first non-conformist artist group, The Stars, to an internationally recognized sculptor, encapsulates a narrative of rebellion, innovation, and profound engagement with the medium of wood. This biography aims to explore the life, work, and artistic evolution of Wang Keping, whose sculptures have not only traversed geographical boundaries but have also significantly contributed to the discourse of modern and contemporary art.
In the late 1970s, amidst the socio-political tumult of post-Cultural Revolution China, Wang Keping emerged as a leading voice in the country's artistic avant-garde. Alongside fellow artists, he established The Stars (Xing Xing), a group that sought to challenge the restrictive artistic norms of the time through public exhibitions and protests. This period was marked by a bold defiance against censorship and a collective yearning for creative freedom, with Wang's sculpture "Silence" becoming an emblematic work that symbolized the group's resistance against oppressive silence.
Wang's decision to leave China in 1984, moving to France with his French wife, Catherine Dezaly, marked a significant turning point in his career. Paris, with its rich artistic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, offered Wang a new canvas for exploration and expression. It was here that he delved deeper into the possibilities of wood as a medium, developing a distinctive style characterized by sensual, organic forms and a profound respect for the material's inherent qualities.
Wang Keping's sculptures are notable for their direct carving technique, a method that emphasizes the intimate relationship between the artist and the wood. This approach allows the natural characteristics of the wood to guide the sculptural process, resulting in works that are both visually striking and deeply evocative. His sculptures often explore themes of duality, freedom, and sensuality, with the human form and elements of nature serving as recurrent motifs.
Over the years, Wang Keping has held numerous solo exhibitions across the globe, showcasing his mastery of wood sculpture to diverse audiences. Notable exhibitions include his first solo show at the Asia University Museum of Modern Art in Taichung, Taiwan, in 1989, followed by significant shows in Osaka, Boston, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Nice, and Paris. In 2013, the Ullens Center for Contemporary Arts (UCCA) in Beijing hosted his first major retrospective in China, marking a momentous return to the country where his artistic journey began.
Wang Keping's contributions to the field of sculpture have been recognized through various installations and exhibitions in prestigious venues, such as the Fondation Carmignac in Porquerolles, France, and the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. His works are part of numerous internationally renowned private and public collections, including the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Cernuschi in Paris, the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and the M+ Museum in Hong Kong.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Wang Keping's legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to authenticity and innovation. His sculptures, carved from wood with a reverence for its life force, stand as a testament to the enduring power of art to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and transcend cultural boundaries. As Wang Keping continues to create and inspire, his work remains a vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue of contemporary sculpture, embodying a unique synthesis of nature, style, and the quest for truth.
Wang Keping Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
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market values.
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artist, contact us immediately.
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works:
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