Wang Keping is one of the most regarded sculptors today. His wood carvings are deeply personal as he searches the being within his blocks of trees through its natural nooks, knots and branches that emerge through his guidance into women, couples, mother with child and figures. He is so in tune with his material that he calls it a collaboration of what the wood gives to him and how he allows it to guide his hand. Once complete he creates a chocolatey surface from burning and burnishing his works that gleam with a sensuality and tactility that ripples in luminosity. Wang Keping was born in China and moved to France in 1984 where he lives and works. He recently was invited to exhibit at the Musée Rodin and is having a solo exhibition at the Musée Guimet.

His works are in the collections of the Musée National d’Art Moderne/Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the M+ Uli Sigg Collection, Hong Kong; the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Fukuoka, among others. Wang Keping was awarded by France with Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his artistic contribution.

Wang Keping, celebrating his 75th birthday in 2024, finds the essence or vitality of his creations residing within the very wood he works with. His journey as a wood sculptor began four decades ago, when he was a spirited young individual in China, fighting alongside his comrades for the freedom to express contemporary art. Today, he stands as a master, a wise sage, and a philosopher, finding everything he needs within the confines of his garden. He has honed a distinctive style that at times feels intimate and flowing and at other times can elucidate a crude and primitive nature. He skillfully displays forms within forms and devises subtle slashes to evoke a certain emotion, a humorous gesture or a provocative intention.

Artist's CV: http://website-artlogicwebsite0954.artlogic.net/usr/library/documents/main/artists/56/wkp_cv-2025.pdf
Franco-Chinese Sculptor Wang Keping finds the essence or vitality of his creations residing within the very wood he works with. After prolonged observation of its knots and branches, he is inspired to uncover what lies within. His early artistic journey as a wood sculptor began four decades ago, when he was a founder of the acclaimed 1979 “Stars Group” of artists, known as the first group of contemporary artists in the post-Mao era. In 1984 he moved to France, and today he is recognized in sculpture as a master, finding everything he needs within the confines of his garden and the expansive forests of France. While his primary themes revolve around Woman, Man, Couple, Mother and Child, Birds and what he terms Ex-Voto to describe his abstract works, each passing year sees Wang Keping grow more adept in capturing the material's essence and exploring its offerings. As a result, we witness his forms evolve and renew, showcasing his mastery. He has honed a distinctive style that at times feels intimate and flowing and others can elucidate a crude and primitive nature. He skilfully displays forms within forms and devises subtle slashes to evoke a certain emotion, a humorous gesture or a provocative intention.

Wang Keping has lived and worked in France since 1984. Recently, he has participated in exhibitions at the M+ in Hong Kong, and in France at the Musée Rodin, The Musée Guimet, The Chateau de Chambord, The Centre Pompidou, The Chateau de Fontainbleau among others. He has received the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from France for his great contribution to the arts.