Chinese artist Ma Wei (b.1987) comes from a literary family, growing up in Japan, then studied the Fine Arts School Affiliates to China Central Academy of Fine Arts. The “Spirits in Ma Wei’s paintings are interpretation of humanity and faith in the simplest of child-like expressions. In order to present these creatures to their fullest, Ma fuses various genres of Western oil painting, Japanese Ukiyo-e and Chinese Gongbi (fine brush) ink painting.
As a “ Post-80s” artist, Ma Wei’s practice has been influenced and informed by her experience of years living in Japan and U.S. Utilizing a unique visual language, Ma Wei’s ink-on-silk paintings are perfect expressions of her observation of the outside world combined with her inner attention.
The “Spirits” series depicts various mysterious, fantastical and endearing creatures who have inhabited her inner world for many years. The “Spirits” may seem peculiar visually, being imaginary “animals" or “beings" and thus new to the viewer, but rather they are artist’s interpretation of humanity, essence and faith in the simplest of child-like expressions. Along with her understanding and practice of traditional Chinese ink painting, her works also incorporate multicultural influences. In order to present these creatures to their fullest, Ma Wei’s exceptional technique fuses various genres of Western oil painting, Japanese Ukiyo-e and Chinese Gongbi (fine brush) ink painting.
Ma Wei comes from a literary family, growing up in Japan, then later entered the Fine Arts School Affiliated to China Central Academy of Fine Arts, and earned her BFA from the Mural Department of China Central Academy of Fine Art. Bearing solid training and skills in plastic arts, Ma Wei has opted for the time being to embrace traditional Chinese silk and mineral colors as her media, combined with playful use of artist-made chops. Ma Wei’s work mixes the traditional with the contemporary, her distinctive visual expression distinguish her works from that of her peers.