Dragon, 2024

Wenhai Zhang  

Zhang Wenhai, born in 1981 in the vibrant city of Shanghai, is an art professor living in Brussels over 22 years, whose journey through the world of art has been marked by a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese influences and cutting-edge techniques.

Wenhai's artistic odyssey began with a deep exploration of the world of animation at the Hua Shan Art School in Shanghai. Here, he honed his skills and developed a profound appreciation for the dynamic and expressive nature of the animated form. This early passion for animation laid the foundation for the kinetic energy and fluidity that would later become hallmarks of his artistic style.

Eager to enrich his artistic repertoire, Zhang Wenhai pursued further studies in the traditional realm of Chinese painting at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts in Shanghai. Immersed in the rich heritage of Chinese art, he mastered the techniques of ink and brush, gaining a profound understanding of the delicate balance between precision and spontaneity.

Zhang's artistic journey took an international turn as he ventured to the heart of Europe, where he earned his master's degree in Plastic Arts, Visuals, and Space, with a specialization in printmaking, from the esteemed Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. This experience exposed him to a diverse range of artistic philosophies and pushed the boundaries of his creative expression.

His time in Brussels proved transformative, as he seamlessly merged the essence of Chinese artistic traditions with the avant-garde spirit of the European art scene. The result is a distinctive body of work that transcends cultural boundaries, inviting viewers to contemplate the convergence of tradition and innovation in a rapidly evolving world.

Zhang Wenhai's mastery of various artistic forms, from animation to traditional Chinese painting and contemporary printmaking, reflects not only his technical prowess but also his profound curiosity and openness to artistic exploration. His work has been featured in exhibitions across the globe, captivating audiences with its unique synthesis of cultural influences and contemporary perspectives.

As Zhang Wenhai continues to evolve as an artist, his dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression promises an exciting and dynamic future for this visionary creator.

• Horors and Prizes:

1998: Won the 3rd prize at the Shanghai Painting Exhibition.

2009: Awarded the Grand Prize at the Northern Print Biennale in the U.K.

2010: Selected for the Prize of the Center for Engraving and Printed Image of La Louvière.

2011: Selected for the 8th International Biennial of Contemporary Engraving.

2012: Holds a position as a professor of Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy at the University of Liège and the Third Age School of Liège (ongoing).

2013: Serves as the coordinator of the Zhong Ren Chinese Cultural Center (ongoing).

2014: Selected for the Biennale of China exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Verviers.

2016: Selected for the Trace of Space and Time exhibition.

2016: Holds a position as a professor of Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy at the Chinese Cultural Center in Brussels (ongoing).

2020: Appointed as a professor of Chinese painting at ENSAV La Cambre (2020).