Born in Chongqing, China, Wu Shuang (b. 1986) is a contemporary artist active on the international stage. She studied at Kassel University in Germany in 2007, graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2009, and attained her master’s degree from the Department of Printmaking at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2014. Wu Shuang is a professional artist who lives and works internationally.

Wu Shuang has held more than ten solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Her works have been widely exhibited and collected by professional organizations in the U.S. Australia, Italy, South Korea, Singapore and Japan. Her works are held in the collections of Long Museum in Shanghai, He Xiang Ning Art Museum in Shenzhen, Beijing’s Today Art Museum and MoCA Beijing among other institutions.

Wu Shuang’s art possesses a deep international perspective, reflecting her belief in the boundless nature of artistic expression and its ability to resonate universally with humanity. Her works are visually captivating, characterized by a striking interplay of purity and contrasting colors. Through her skillful blending of bright hues, initially conflicting yet ultimately harmonious; she creates compositions that intrigue and inspire. Wu Shuang’s work is renowned for its visually captivating use of color. Through the harmonious integration of high-purity hues and strong contrasts, her paintings articulate a sensitive response to the world. She believes that art transcends national boundaries, becoming a space where shared human emotions resonate.

Wu Shuang’s artistic vision seeks to encapsulate the essence of our ever evolving world, emphasizing the fleeting nature of light and life. Her passion for travel has led her to explore nearly 45 countries and 100 cities, enriching her art with diverse cultural influences and inspirations. Through her work, she grapples with the profound forces of nature, the rapid pace of change, and the complexities of human emotions, offering a poignant reflection on the joys and sorrows of existence.

Can you tell us about your background and how you started your artistic journey?

My artistic journey began in Chongqing, China. where I was inspired by family, my grandfather was a painter. I developed a passion for painting at a young age and pursued formal training at university such as Kassel University in Germany in 2007 and graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute in 2009, Continuing my studies thereafter, the Department of Printmaking at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2014. Over the years, my work has evolved as I explored various styles and mediums.

Color and composition play a strong role in your paintings. How do you think about the relationship between color, movement, and structure in your work?

Color and composition are fundamental to my work. I view color as an emotional language, with each hue and shade contributing to the overall mood of a piece. I carefully consider movement and structure by brushes, special tools such as watering cans, paint rollers, printmaking boards, scrapers, wire balls, paper towels, etc., and my fingers which I sometimes paint directly with, or anything that comes to mind through a light-hearted artistic approach., By using various techniques to repeatedly superimpose and overlay colors, new compositions and layers are constructed. Ensuring that each element supports the narrative I’m conveying.

What continues to challenge or surprise you as your creative process evolves?

My way of working has changed profoundly since leaving a permanent studio, The unpredictability of inspiration and the need to adapt continuously surprise me. My artistic style is still under continuous exploration, whether technical or conceptual. I embrace these as opportunities to grow and push the boundaries of my creativity.

Having traveled to nearly 45 countries, how have your personal experiences shaped your artistic vision?

Traveling has profoundly influenced my artistic vision, exposing me to diverse cultures and landscapes. Each place contributes a different perspective, texture, and color palette to my work, allowing me to incorporate elements of global culture into my paintings. Every time I arrive at a new place, it feels like a fresh beginning. Each painting marks an attempt to step into the unknown, filled with inspiration and new experiences worth recording. On a nomad’s canvas, the world and the mind meet.

Your work often engages with the forces of nature, the speed of change, and the depth of human emotion. How do these elements come together in your paintings?

I strive to capture the dynamic interplay between nature and human emotion, reflecting the constant change we experience. This involves a deep exploration of themes like vitality, and I attempt to create a dialogue between the viewer and the natural world through my art. I became profoundly drawn to desert vegetation. In agave, saguaros, and palm trees, ordinary plants that endure and thrive under harsh conditions, I perceive the resilience of life. Through vast root systems of plants and lifespans that far exceed human scale, I learned humility from the earth and comes to understand forces of protection, nourishment, restoration, and generosity. These impressions are transformed into a romantic, poetic, and philosophical visual language rich in emotional depth.

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to establish themselves?

Find the creative approach that you are most interested in. Only true passion can bring sustained energy. Stay true to your vision and continuously seek new experiences and learning opportunities. Building a network within the art community is invaluable. Be patient and persistent, as success in art requires dedication and resilience. Remember, every challenge is a chance to refine your craft.

Text & photo courtesy of Wu Shuang

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