Draft:Z. Z. Wei
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Z. Z. Wei (1957–) is a Chinese American visual artist. He received the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF)/NEA Regional Fellowship for Visual Artists and served as artist in residence at Cornish College of the Arts[1], Whitman College[2], and the Bloedel Reserve. Wei was among the inaugural inductees of the Asian Hall of Fame alongside George Tsutakawa, and Gary Locke. [3]
Education and Early Career In China
[edit]Born 赵柏巍 (zhao-bo-wei, or zhao-bai-wei) in Beijing, China, Z.Z. Wei started painting at a young age during China's Cultural Revolution. His aptitude for the arts leading him to pursue formal education at the Central Academy of Arts and Design. While still a student there, Wei participated in a few public art projects[1]. After graduating in 1984, Wei remained in China for several years, working as an artist utilizing fabric and paper to create large sculptures, adapting the term "Soft Sculpture" (软雕塑) for his works. During this period, he began to gain recognition for his innovative and unique blend of traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary themes. In 1985 and 1986, his sculpture works were included in two major exhibitions in the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.[4][5][6]
Move to the United States
[edit]In 1989, Wei was invited to Seattle by Centrum and the Washington State Centennial Committee to participate in the Pacific Rim Cultural Connection Project[1]. Captivated by the American rural landscapes, he settled in the Pacific Northwest seeking artistic inspiration and new opportunities. This marked a significant turning point in Wei's career, as he began to integrate his experiences and impressions of American life into his artwork, and continued to develop his own artistic style in his landscape paintings.[7]
Signature Style
[edit]Z. Z. Wei's paintings are characterized by their vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and serene rural landscapes. His use of light and shadow, coupled with bold, yet delicate brushstrokes, creates a sense of depth and emotion in his work. Wei's compositions often feature vast open spaces, lonely roads, and solitary vehicles and buildings, evoking a sense of solitude and introspection. His paintings not only reflect his heritage and personal experiences, but also resonate universally, offering insights into the human condition and the world around us.[8]
Selected Exhibitions
[edit]Wei has participated in over 100 solo and group exhibitions throughout his career. Here is a selected list:
Solo Exhibitions:
[edit]2011 Washing State Governor's Mansion Art Gallery, Olympia, Washington [9]
2017 "Pacific Northwest Backroads"[10], Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, Oregon
2018 "Shadow Stories"[11], Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville, Georgia
2022 "30 Year Odyssey: Exploring American landscapes", Patricia Rovzar Gallery, Seattle, Washington
2024 "Whispers of the Heartland"[12], Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado
Group Exhibitions
[edit]1993 "Three Chinese Artists", Fry Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
2011 Art in Embassies Exhibition, Libreville, Gabon Exhibition Catalogue
2013 Art in Embassies Exhibition, Tallinn, Estonia Exhibition Catalogue
2021 "Paths Intertwined", Wing Luke Museum, Seattle, Washington
2021 "Joyride: Cars in American Art from the Terry and Eva Herndon Collection"[13], Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Ament, Deloris Tarzan (October 29, 1989). "Chinese artist has overcome barriers to work". Seattle Times.
- ^ "Artists Live! at Sheehan Gallery". The Whitman College Pioneer. February 28, 1991.
- ^ Iwasaki, John (September 9, 2004). "Asian Hall of Fame to debut tomorrow". The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. pp. B5.
- ^ "北京開抽象畫展" [Abstract Exhibition Opens in Beijing]. 星島日報. November 27, 1985.
- ^ "软雕塑作品展览开幕" [Opening of the Soft Sculpture Exhibition]. 北京日报. November 26, 1985.
- ^ Hou, Hanru (November 24, 1986). "观「软雕塑-86」展" [Viewing the "Soft Sculpture-86" Exhibition]. Fine Arts In China. p. 1.
- ^ Upchurch, Michael (September 11, 2012). "A 20-year journey for artist and gallery". The Seattle Times. pp. B3.
- ^ Campbell, Virginia (March 6, 2005). "Z. Z, Wei | Bridging Cultures". Southwest Art.
- ^ "Art in the Mansion". Stat of Washington Governor's Mansion Foundation News. May 2011.
- ^ Matt (2017-07-14). "Z. Z. Wei: Pacific Northwest Backroads on view at Coos Art Museum, July 14 - Community Plus". oregontoday.net. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ Laskowski, Emily (2018-05-02). "Z.Z. Wei: Shadow Stories". Cowboys and Indians Magazine. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
- ^ Cibik, Maggie B. (August 2024). "Rural Radiance". American Art Collector.
- ^ "Joyride | Fitchburg Art Museum". 2021-07-01. Retrieved 2025-04-02.