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.