Yu Nancheng

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About the artwork

Yu Nancheng’s Tai Chi series was inspired by the sight of thousands performing Tai Chi at Tiananmen Square in China. He uses vivid “China Red” to paint the background of the work, with the colour reflecting a symbolic tribute to his country through its notable cultural connections. The painting depicts an infinite number of people practicing the martial art form who are rendered in blue, a colour that symbolises immortality and advancement, with the horizontal composition accentuating the awe-inspiring multitudes. Through Yu’s use of impasto, he creates a unique textured surface that illustrates the controlled movements in Tai Chi, and the gracefulness of the martial art form. As a result, Yu’s stunning technique and cultural iconicism leaves a strong impact on those who view his works.

About the artist

Yu Nancheng, born in 1956 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, has made significant contributions to the art world over his 40+ year career. Currently based in Shanghai, his works have been exhibited extensively across China and internationally, with collections in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Japan, and various Middle Eastern countries. Yu's innovative use of palette knife application to create layered textures has transformed Chinese oil painting, blending traditional Chinese and Western techniques to define his distinctive style.