LIAN WENTAO
Artist Lian Wentao
Details:
b.1989, Beijing, China
Lian Wentao, born in 1989 in Hebei, China, graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. His works blend traditional and modern elements, showcasing a unique artistic perspective grounded in deep cultural understanding. His exhibition history includes the 2012 Chongqing Contemporary Art Expo, the 2013 and 2015 Guangzhou University Student Art Expos, the 2015 Shanghai Art Warehouse Painting Touring Exhibition, the 2018 Shanghai Baolong Art Exhibition, the 2022 Yanyi Art Group Exhibition, and the 2023 Han Jian Art Museum Group Exhibition, among others.
Chance and curiosity serve as the dual sources of the artist's creation. "I began seeking commonalities between traditional and modern studies. Traditional Taoist concepts of yin and yang, modern scientific research on the microscopic level, such as genes and particle movement, and macroscopic studies like black holes, the solar system, and cosmic motion all describe a shared mode of operation. The spiral, as a symbol of this mode of operation, is ubiquitous in life and nature, suggesting the laws governing the world. We only need to return to the present moment, perceiving it with love. The vortex, as a natural phenomenon, seems to hint at some kind of logic of the world—both mysterious and awe-inspiring. My creative approach involves painting with monochrome brushstrokes, which make me feel at ease, while the brushstrokes themselves convey the presence of painting. On this foundation, I splash color onto the canvas, like raindrops hitting it, creating rich color variations—a process that is both delightful and creative." — Artist's statement.
Lian Wentao's creative method arises from the sum of all his experiences, while the content of his work springs from his curiosity about the world and the present moment. He has experimented with traditional, realistic, surreal, pop, and abstract art forms, though many of these attempts left him feeling exhausted or confused. After reflecting on the challenges faced by previous generations, he realized the importance of finding his own self-expression. Art history, especially Western art history, has had a profound influence on contemporary art, and as an Eastern Han Chinese artist, he recognizes that it is wrong to blindly follow Western ideas and methods. While the West has advanced techniques and methods, cultures are equal, and he believes that one should learn Western techniques while addressing Eastern artistic concerns. Lian Wentao began to seek connections between traditional Taoism and modern science, from yin and yang to genes, particle movement, and the laws of the universe. He observed the ubiquity and significance of the vortex as a natural phenomenon, revealing the laws that govern the world. His creative approach, utilizing monochrome brushstrokes that provide him comfort, and splashing color onto the canvas, results in rich, dynamic color effects.