Opening Party (Meet the Artist): 2017.6.22, 6 – 8PM
Exhibition: 2017.6.22 – 7.9
Yan Gallery, Shop 5, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Road, Central, HK

“In the idea of Da Chonguang’s theory of painting, the brightest part is ‘empty space always becomes wonderland’……How to apply a contemporary view to traditional themes and revitalize the traditional theme may be the responsibility endowed by times to artists like He Wei. He Wei has a good start and he has a long way to go. Let’s wait and see. ”
——Fang Xiang
Professional painter of China National Academy of Painting
Researcher of China Academy of Arts, Master Tutor

Yan Gallery is excited to announce its forthcoming exhibition, entitled ‘The Magic Mountain’, a collection of around 30 delicate ink paintings by the Chinese artist He Wei.

He Wei was born in Hengyang, Hunan Province. His home is very near the famous Hengshan Mountain and this collection of works is deeply influenced by this association. In Chinese ink, and sparing use of colour, He Wei evocatively conveys the swirling mist and cloud enshrined mountains that represent the artist’s hometown. His works are soothing to look at – great expanses of white represent the lofty clouds, while his expressive brushwork adeptly captures the jagged crags and yawning precipices of this spectacular mountain range. He Wei depicts the scenes from different angles, as if he were a bird flying amidst the mountain peaks. A feeling of awe and wonder at the beauty and magnitude of these mountains is perfectly conveyed in his paintings. He often adds small buildings or people to his works, adding a splash of colour, to give the eye a focal point. A temple roof or a mountain path adds interest and complexity to his compositions.

He Wei has received rigorous training in traditional Chinese painting. While copying the works of the famous Qing Dynasty artist Shi Tao, his works were so exceptional that they were indistinguishable from the great Master’s. However, this collection of paintings is very much his own work and distinctive in style. The gentle greyish tones of the ink give his works a very light, contemporary feel and they are not remotely burdened by tradition.

He Wei was born in 1989. He graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Arts School of Renmin University of China, Beijing, majoring in Chinese Painting and Calligraphy. In 2016 he was admitted to the Chinese National Academy of Arts for a Master’s Degree. He is currently at the Youth Branch of the Li Keran Painting and Calligraphy Academy and is also assistant to his mentor, Fang Xiang, at the Fang Xiang Art Studio of the Peking University School of Arts.