Hu Wei

Born in 1972 in Shanghai.

Graduated from the Department of Art, East China Normal University, majoring in Chinese Painting in 1995.

Graduated with a Master's degree from the Department of Art, East China Normal University, in 1998.

Graduated with a Doctorate in Ancient Literature from the Department of Chinese, East China Normal University, in 2002.

Visited the University of Bern, Switzerland, as a visiting scholar from 2008 to 2009.

Currently a responsible professor in the Art Discipline Group at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University.

Member of the China Artists Association.

Member of the Shanghai Artists Association.

Executive Director of the Central Academy of Painting, China Democratic League (CDL).

Vice President of the Shanghai Xiangshan Calligraphy and Painting Society, CDL.

President of the Shanghai Yixian Painting Academy, CDL.

Creative Inspiration

Hu Wei’s use of light is truly remarkable. He has conducted extensive research on light and shadow. Historically, depictions of light and shadow in traditional Chinese ink painting have been rare, making this a significant contribution to the development of contemporary Chinese ink art. In his solo exhibition "翾影溯光" (Flickering Shadows, Tracing Light), Hu Wei presents his mature works that showcase his long-time exploration of light and shadow. The exhibition feels refreshing, like opening a window to let in fresh air and sunlight, breaking the conventional, intricate style of meticulously crafted traditional ink painting.

In his work "沐光落羽" (Basking in Light, Fallen Feathers), Hu Wei boldly uses only ink, with variations in the intensity, depth, and lightness of the ink to compose the entire piece. The light pours into layers of trees, creating a stunning interplay of dense and sparse patterns, both intricate and captivating. A dove, elegant in posture, appears serene and content. The fusion of large expressive brushwork with fine detail harmonizes beautifully, lending the work an elegant and noble feel.

The exhibition also features Hu Wei’s "Chair Series", which reminds me of the Dutch artist Piet Mondrian’s style of New Abstract Painting. Mondrian’s iconic "Composition with Red, Yellow, and Blue" uses black lines to divide the canvas, paired with the primary colors red, yellow, and blue. Through rigorous geometric shapes and color arrangements, he conveys a sense of simplicity and order. In Hu Wei’s chair works, he draws inspiration from this style, exploring the space between abstraction and figuration. He skillfully uses the curves of the chairs to create a golden ratio composition, achieving an ideal balance with striking visual design and urban aesthetics. The playful depiction of two birds in the piece adds liveliness and whimsy, reflecting the beauty of nature.

The "Chair Series" represents Hu Wei’s exploration of both abstract and figurative art. He does not limit himself by medium—whether ink, acrylic, or oil painting—and is unrestricted by Eastern or Western themes. This freedom in his creative process reveals his innovative, deep, broad, and forward-thinking approach to art. His works are grounded in the laws of nature while exuding beauty, tranquility, elegance, and a sense of calm.

Starting from classical ink painting, Hu Wei has wandered the world of art. With his intellectual height, he leads artistic creation, merging internalization to achieve his own unique artistic aesthetics—timeless and enduring.