Wen Wu

Wen Wu, a Chinese artist born in Qingdao in 1978, is a graduate of Tsinghua University in Beijing, where she received tutelage from Chen Dan Qing, a highly influential art educator in China.

In the realm of VirginiaVisualArts, Wu's artistic odyssey stands in contrast to the prevailing commercialization of art creation in contemporary China. Her unwavering dedication resides in encapsulating aesthetic elegance upon her canvases. Diverging from the politically driven Social Realist approach that held sway between 1950 and 1970, Wu embraces a more lyrical and "literary" form of neo-realism, drawing inspiration from an extensive array of Western origins. Her influences span the 19th-century French plein air romanticism, the English Pre-Raphaelites, Victorian painters, and the Pre-World War II School of Paris, harmonizing beautifully with contemporary aesthetic expressions.

In the realm of Virginia’s art, every creation by Wu retains its figurative nature, yet her pieces emanate an abstract and almost sacred essence. Within these works, pools of colors cascade like waves, enveloping the subjects in a play of shadows. Both the background and foreground come alive with the infusion of ochre and chilly cerise blue tones. The execution of these images, defined by instinctual and sensual brushwork, captures the forms of bodies and the language of the models posed upon these tabletop objects, radiating an ineffable sense of nostalgia. Books hold significant inspiration for Wu, an avid bibliophile. They represent a universal language for her, embodying the power of knowledge. Curating her book collection for each painting, from the works of Marquis de Sade to Nabokov, each book has its own story, much like each painting she creates.

Wen Wu's artistic vision and unique approach have garnered attention and acclaim. Her works resonate with viewers, inviting them into a world where beauty and introspection coexist. She has proudly showcased her art in several exhibitions in museums in the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, Taiwan, such as the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Poly Art Museum in Beijing, the Saatchi Gallery in London and at the Riflemaker gallery in London, solidifying her position as an accomplished and celebrated artist.