BEIJING – based artist Wang Mao’s third solo exhibition at XYZ Gallery will feature a series of oil paintings that reflect universal sympathy for the plight of children victimized by both natural disasters and human catastrophes. The visual effects of WANG MAO’S ARTISTIC JOURNEY 2010 dramatize humanistic concerns for children worldwide. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 3:00pm – 6:00pm at D05 of 798 Art Center in Beijing.
Wang’s artistic influences range from the Chinese traditional ink wash artist Ba Da to the disturbing modernist painter Francis Bacon. In style and technique, one can see traces of European romantic painters in Wang’s work. He also borrows from impressionists such as Cezanne and Sisley, and the Pre-Raphaelites, notably Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Yet there is also something completely unique and stirring about Wang’s paintings – something that is his alone.
Wang’s exotic paintings are a breath of fresh air in the contemporary art world – blending an invigorating aroma of the past, the intoxicating perfume of the romantic and the fresh scent that follows a spring thunderstorm. You should experience the enchantment for yourself.
Wang, at 30 years of age, is a quiet and unassuming person – humble and serious in a way that few artists are today. His family background was fertile soil for the cultivation of creativity. As a young boy, Wang’s parents belonged to an opera troupe. Their son grew up surrounded by drama: elaborate sets and costumes, stirring music, and thrilling stories. When he decided to undertake further studies in the arts, he was accepted as a student at the prestigious Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. There, he chose to focus his varied talents on painting.
Wang Mao graduated from the Central Academy of Drama with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Since 2007, his oil paintings have been exhibited at the XYZ Gallery, 798 Art Center in Beijing. Last year, he was invited to display his work at the 2009 Davos World Economic Forum in Dalian, China. Also in 2009, Art and Investment, China’s top art magazine, selected Wang Mao as one of the nation’s top 10 most promising artists. Many of his works have been collected by international banks and art foundations in the UK, as well as by private collectors at home and abroad. Currently, the artist resides in Beijing.
