SHI HU

Shi Hu (born 1942 in Hebei, China) is a groundbreaking artist whose work reinterprets traditional Chinese aesthetics through a modern lens. After graduating from the Beijing Academy of Fine Arts in the 1960s, he initially worked as an illustrator before emerging as a leading figure in China’s avant-garde art movement. His career spans decades, during which he has developed a unique visual language that merges ink painting, calligraphy, folk art, and modernist abstraction.

Artistic Style & Contributions

Shi Hu’s work is celebrated for its bold expressiveness, vibrant colors, and dynamic compositions. Key characteristics include:

• Fusion of Tradition & Modernity: Combines classical Chinese brushwork with contemporary abstraction.

• Exaggerated Forms & Symbolism: His figures often appear distorted yet poetic, drawing from Chinese mythology, rural life, and historical themes.

• Innovative Techniques: Uses splashed ink, layered textures, and mixed media to create depth and movement.

• Cultural Depth: His art reflects philosophical and literary influences, bridging Daoist thought, folk traditions, and global modernism.

Major Works & Exhibitions

Shi Hu’s notable paintings include:

• “Memory of the Wind” (风之忆) – A dreamlike exploration of time and tradition.

• “Mountain Ghost” (山鬼) – Reimagines classical Chinese legends with modern expressionism.

• “Heavenly Questions” (天问) – A series inspired by ancient poetry and cosmology.

Selected Exhibitions:

• National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), Beijing

• Shanghai Art Museum

• International shows in Hong Kong, Paris, New York, and Tokyo