The sculptor Wang Keping was born in China in 1949 and moved to France in 1984. His wooden sculptures testify the artist’s ongoing commitment to exploring the medium as well as to his relationship with sculpture, a bond that is simultaneously humble, intimate, and spiritual. He is considered, internationally, to be one of the most important contributors of contemporary sculpture. By mastering traditional sculpting techniques, according to an approach that is timeless and transcendent, Wang Keping manages to capture the quintessence of his subjects with a wide array of themes : females, males, couples, animal hybrids, and abstract forms.

As a historically important artist from China, he is included in most art history texts describing his early works. In his youth, Wang Keping was one of the leaders of China’s first non-conformist artist’s group, “The Stars” (Xing Xing星星), formed in 1979 along with fellow artists Huang Rui, Ma Desheng and Ai WeiWei. This group of young avant-garde artists challenged the status quo and were pivotal in initiating the debut of free art expressions in the Post-Mao era.

Wang Keping is recognised internationally and has been collected and exhibited at major institutions worldwide currently at the Musée Rodin and including Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the M+ Uli Sigg Collection, Hong Kong, The Carmignac Foundation, Pocquerolles, France , The Fukuoka Musems, Japan, among many others. In 2015, he was honoured with the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, in recognition of his significant contribution to the arts.

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.