Wu Wei

 

b. 1981, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China

 

Wu Wei’s works are full of sensual desires, involving topics of civilization, barbarism, and mythology, looking for new feelings and possibilities in materials and space. He contemporizes traditional paper, revealing the essence of material through meticulous editing and, in doing so, conveys its intent, facilitating external communication. Throughout his decade-long artistic career, Wu has greatly emphasized the continuity of the material language of paper fur, sometimes even surpassing the importance of conceptual innovation. His works often evoke a psychological “sense of ritual” with concise and precise language. Wu’s creative process consistently adheres to a strict set of artistic concepts and compositional methods aimed at reactivating the true significance of past images and materials. Additionally, Wu adheres to the core thought patterns of Eastern philosophy and positions himself as a connector across various art forms. Through his works, the audience can establish connections with the “other side of history” or “early history,” casting either admiring and appreciative gazes or critical and vigilant ones. The artist’s primary research is the conceptual presentation of “activation” and “infinity,” and his works reflect our subtle perception of things. In addition to the textures of “virtual,” “simulated,” and “personified” fur, they also mirror the interdependence between history, culture, traditional perspectives, and craftsmanship.

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Wu Wei graduated from the Experimental Art Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts with a master's degree. He won the 6th Anniversary Award for the New Artists Space Award (2015) and the 3rd New Star Art Festival Art Award (2012). He participated in the International Art Residence in Vienna, Austria and Berlin, Germany. He exhibited in Whitebox Art Center, Beijing (China); Power Station Of Art Museum, Shanghai (China); AMNUA museum, Nanjing (China); Minsheng Museum Beijing (China); Leonard Pearlstein Gallery (Philadelphia, U.S.A.); University of British Columbia, Vancouver (Canada); Migrant Bird Space, Berlin (Germany); Chambers Fine Art (Beijing); Fulc art space, Vienna (Austria), Minsheng Museum Beijing (China), CAFA Art Museum Beijing, (China), Today Art Museum, Beijing (China), and other institutions.