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BIOGRAPHY | SELECTED WORKS | RECENT EXHIBITIONS | SELECTED PRESS
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BIOGRAPHY
Chen Wei (b. 1980 Zhejiang, China) is known for his photographs of carefully handcrafted objects and architectures, composed to a meticulously staged mise-en-scène that blurs the boundaries between realities and cinema, landscapes and dreamscapes. Influenced by the 20th century’s cinematically staged photography, Chen introduces a layer of simplicistic theatric stage design and painterly sensibility to his photographic repertoire. Chen Wei has exhibited extensively and internationally at numerous prestigious institutions and biennales.
Upcoming and recent exhibitions include: “The Club”, Horsham Regional Art Gallery, Horsham, Australia, 2017; ”A New Ballardian Vision”, Metro Pictures, New York, USA, 2017; “The Club”, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne, Australia; “Please fasten your seat belt as we are experiencing some turbulence”, Leo Xu Projects, Shanghai, China, 2017; “Noon Club”, curated by Francesco Bonami, JNBY Foundation, Hangzhou, China, 2016; “The Work in Progress, Photography from China in 2015″, Museum Folkwang, Essen, 2015; “Performance and Imagination: Chinese Photography 1911–2014”, Stavanger Art Museum, Stavanger, 2014; “My Generation: Young Chinese Artists”, Orange County Museum of Art, CA, 2015; Tampa Museum of Art, FL and Oklahoma City Museum of Art, OK, both in 2014; “ON | OFF: China’s Young Artists in Concept and Practice”, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing, 2012; “28 Chinese”, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio and Asian Art Museum, San Francisco in 2015, Rubell Family Collection/ Contemporary Arts Foundation, Miami, FL, in 2013, among others. In 2011, Chen Wei was awarded the 1st Asia Pacific Photography Prize, and was shortlisted for the Prudential Eye Awards in 2015.Chen Wei lives and works in Beijing, China.
Download the complete artist biography
SELECTED WORKS
CHEN WEI, "Volleyballs", 2013, Archival Inkjet Print, 150 x 187.5 cm
CHEN WEI, "Ping Pong", 2011, Archival inkjet print, Regular format 100 x 130 cm
CHEN WEI, "Tower", 2013, Archival Inkjet Print, 150 x 187.5cm
CHEN WEI, "Dance Hall (Blueness)", 2013, C-print, 150 x 187.5 cm
CHEN WEI, "In the Waves #5", 2013, Archival inkjet print, 150 x 187.5 cm
Creative Fusion: Exploring Art Exhibitions in the Heart of Australian Casinos
G’day, culture enthusiasts and gaming aficionados! In a fascinating blend of entertainment and artistic expression, Australian casinos have transformed into unexpected havens for captivating art exhibitions. Join me on a journey that unveils the mesmerizing world where the thrill of gaming intersects with the allure of fine art.
1. A New Dimension of Entertainment
Australian casinos have transcended their traditional roles, becoming cultural hubs that offer more than just gaming. Art exhibitions bring an additional layer of enrichment to the casino experience, captivating both seasoned players and art aficionados.
2. Showcasing Diversity
Art exhibitions within casinos boast an eclectic range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, indigenous to international. This diversity of artistic expression mirrors the diverse crowd that casinos attract, creating a harmonious meeting ground for cultures and perspectives.
3. Elevating Aesthetics
The marriage of art and casino spaces elevates the overall aesthetics, turning gaming floors into dynamic galleries. Striking sculptures, vibrant paintings, and thought-provoking installations transform the environment, enveloping visitors in a visual feast.
4. A Curated Experience
Art exhibitions within casinos often feature curated collections that tie into themes or narratives. This enhances the overall experience for visitors, adding a layer of depth and context to the artworks on display.
5. An Enriching Escape
For casino-goers seeking a momentary escape from the gaming rush, art exhibitions provide a tranquil oasis. It’s a space where contemplation, reflection, and appreciation of art blend seamlessly with the thrill of the casino.
6. Bridging Communities
The convergence of gaming and art brings together two seemingly disparate communities – those who relish in the excitement of gambling and those who appreciate the beauty of creativity. It’s a bridge that fosters connections and encourages cross-cultural dialogue.
So, whether you’re drawn to the spin of the roulette wheel or the stroke of a paintbrush, Australian casinos have crafted an extraordinary fusion of entertainment and culture. The juxtaposition of gaming tables and art installations creates an enchanting tapestry where chance encounters and artistic marvels intertwine, inviting you to immerse yourself in a world that defies convention.
CHEN WEI, "Disco #1001", 2015, Archival inkjet print, 75 x 60 cm
CHEN WEI, "The Last Man", 2015 , Archival inkjet print, 125 x 100 cm
CHEN WEI, "A chair and four 100 watt bulbs
CHEN WEI, "New Stairs", 2015, Archival inkjet print, 120 x 150 cm
CHEN WEI, "A Lighthouse Was Winking in the Far Distance", 2010, C-print, 100 x 120 cm
CHEN WEI, "The Stars in the Night Sky Are Innumerable", 2010, C-print, 100 x 130 cm
CHEN WEI, "House of Recovery", 2008, C-print, 150 x 170 cm
CHEN WEI, "Everlasting Radio Wave", 2008, C-print, 150 x 150 cm
CHEN WEI, "Records Hypnosis", 2007, Archival inkjet print, 125 x 185 cm
CHEN WEI, "The Augur's Game No1", 2007, Archival inkjet print, 60 x 60 cm
CHEN WEI, "The Drunken Boat (Shanghai)", 2015 , Acrylic panels, LED screens, mirrors, reinforced glass, silicone mask, fluorescent tube Dimension variable
For more works and projects by the artist, download the portfolio in pdf.
For details of Chen Wei’s dance/club series, download the pdf profile.
RECENT SOLO EXHIBITIONS
“The Club”, Horsham Regional Art Gallery, Horsham, Australia, 2017
“The Club”, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne, Australia, 2017
“Noon Club”, curated by Francesco Bonami, JNBY Foundation, Hangzhou, China, 2016
“The Last Man”, Leo Xu Projects, Shanghai, China, 2015
“Night Paris”, Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo, Japan, 2015
“Noon Insomnia”, Ota Fine Arts, Singapore, 2015
“In the Waves”, Chi K11 Art Museum, Shanghai, China, 2015
“Yesterday Shop”, Galerie Rüdiger Schöttle, Munich, Germany, 2015
RECENT GROUP EXHIBITIONS
“A New Ballardian Vision”, Metro Pictures, New York, USA, 2017
“Please fasten your seat belt as we are experiencing some turbulence.” Leo Xu Projects, Shanghai, China, 2017
“MIC / MAC”, A2Z Art Gallery, Paris, France, 2016
“China: Grain to Pixel”, Monash Gallery of Art, Melbourne, Australia, 2016
“Turning Point: Contemporary Art in China Since 2000″, Minsheng Art Museum, Shanghai, China, 2016
“Wechat: A Dialogue in Contemporary Chinese Art”, Contemporary Chinese Art, Texas, USA, 2016
“The Mud of Compound Experience”, Mother’s Tankstation & Leo Xu Projects, Hong Kong, 2016
“The Work in Progress, Photography from China in 2015″, Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany, 2015
“Grain to Pixel: A Story of Photography in China”, Shanghai Center of Photography, Shanghai, China, 2015
“28 Chinese”, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; Rubell Family Collection, Miami, USA, 2015
“My Generation: Young Chinese Artists”, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma; Tampa Museum of Art & Museum of Fine Arts, Florida, USA, 2014; Orange County Museum of Art, California, USA, 2015
“Paradise B!tch”, White Rabbit Gallery, Sydney, Australia, 2015
“The System of Objects”, Minsheng Art Museum, Shanghai, China, 2015
“The Work in Progress, Photography from China in 2015″, Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany, 2015
“Performance and Imagination: Chinese Photography 1911-2014″, Stavanger Art Museum, Norway, 2014 [exhibition page]
“Silence: the 1990s”, Balice Hertling Gallery, Paris, France, 2014 [exhibition page]
SELECTED PRESS
Ideat, “A guess about Muse”, by Lu Lu, Issue 25, May, 2017 [download pdf]
VICE, “Chen Wei’s Images Reveal the Mysteries of Chinese Club Culture”, by Nadja Sayej, March 28, 2017 [download pdf]
VICE, “Chen Wei Recreates China’s Neon-Lit 90s Clubs”, by Start Brumfitt, March 23, 2017 [download pdf]
Hunger, “Artist Chen Wei’s abstract photographs explore the experience of Nightclubbing in China”, Mar.17 2017 [download pdf]
Flash Art, “Noon Club”, by Chen Wei, November/December, 2016 [download pdf]
Artfourm, “Chen Wei: Noon Club”, by Diao Zhuo, April, 2016 [download pdf]
Kaleidoscope, “The Nostaigic Revolution of Chen Wei” (cover story), interview by Mian Mian, Issue 3, Spring & Summer, March, 2016 [download pdf]
Numéro, “Fetishism – Unknown Pleasures”, by Chen Wei, March, 2016 [download pdf]
Leap, “Chen Wei: The Last Man”, translated by Connie Kang , Issue 160, January & February, 2016 [download pdf]
Ideat, “ID Album – The Last Man”, by Chen Wei, January, 2016 [download pdf]
Numéro, “Get Loose”, Issue 54, November, 2015 [download pdf]
Time Out Shanghai, “Review: The Last Man”, by NJ, Issue 72, December, 2015 [download pdf]
For Him Magazine, “The Last Man”, by Yu Lingyuan, Special Issue, Fall & Winter, 2015 [download pdf]
K11 Artoid, “Cinematheque”, Issue 7, 2015 [download pdf]
The Bund, “Mild Art Belonged To Petty Bourgeoisie And Middle Class”, by Han Jian, Issue 638, April, 2015 [download pdf]
The Bund, “Chen Wei: I Have Always Been Dealing With the Gap Between Ideality And Reality”, by Shen Yin, Issue 618, November, 2014 [download pdf]
Financial Time, “‘Other Postman’ (2007) by Chen Wei”, by Gurpreet Narwan, May, 2014 [download pdf]
The Guardian, “Chen Wei’s Best Photograph: A Chinese Nightclub Fantasy”, by Karin Andreasson, April, 2014 [download pdf]
Numéro, “Chen Wei – Selflessness”, by Tang Lingjie, November, 2013 [download pdf]
ART, “Vom Schwamm Befallen”, by Birgit Sonna, July, 2013 [download pdf]
Leap, “More”, by Sun Dongdong, October, 2012 [download pdf]
