Wang Keping

Wang Keping, born in 1949 in Beijing, is an internationally renowned Franco-Chinese artist known for his organic and expressive wooden sculptures. A co-founder of the Chinese dissident art group The Stars (Xingxing) in 1979, he played a pivotal role in the emergence of contemporary art in China during a period when artists sought greater freedom of expression after the Cultural Revolution.

In the 1970s, Wang Keping began his artistic journey by creating provocative and politically charged sculptures. His early works, influenced by his critical stance toward Chinese society, addressed political and social themes. Silence (1979), one of his most iconic sculptures, depicts a human head with its mouth sealed, symbolizing censorship and oppression. This emblematic piece was showcased during the first public exhibition of The Stars, a landmark event in the history of Chinese contemporary art.

After the dissolution of The Stars group and amidst a repressive political climate, Wang Keping emigrated to France in 1984. Settling in Paris, he shifted his focus toward exploring more universal and timeless forms, gradually moving away from explicitly political themes. He found wood to be an ideal medium for expressing his artistic vision, utilizing its knots, curves, and natural imperfections to create sculptures that balance figuration and abstraction.

Wang Keping’s work is imbued with spirituality and a deep respect for nature. His sculptures, often minimalist and sensual, evoke human or animal forms while maintaining a connection to a pared-down aesthetic. His creative process, which involves carving, polishing, and sometimes burning the wood, lends his pieces an organic texture and a timeless quality.

Internationally acclaimed, his works have been exhibited in prestigious institutions such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the MoMA in New York, and the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. He has also participated in numerous biennials and group exhibitions, solidifying his status as one of the most influential contemporary sculptors.

Today, Wang Keping continues to live and work in France, where he maintains his artistic dialogue with wood and natural forms. His artistic legacy exemplifies the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and express universal emotions.

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