From Schizophrenia to Acclaim: The Journey of 'China's Van Gogh'

For 21 years, Jiang Wei has lived with schizophrenia. Yet the 43-year-old painter, now hailed by some as "China's van Gogh," has turned a life of struggle into a story of resilience.

Born in Benxi, northeast China's Liaoning Province, in 1983, Jiang showed talent in drawing in early years. In 2003, he was admitted to the School of New Media Art and Design at Beihang University in Beijing.

But in 2005, during his college years, Jiang was diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to a recent report by Phoenix News, which caused him to lose control of his behavior, leading to unusual acts – including running naked across the university's sports field.

"I have to take medication for the rest of my life," Jiang explained. His daily regimen consists of 27.5 pills, which he calls the "food" for his second half of life.

As he was unable to hold a steady job, Jiang returned to his hometown after graduation to recover with painting. Later, thanks to improved condition, he took his paintings to Beijing to visit his former teacher, Lai Shengyu.

Moved by Jiang's perseverance and impressed by his talent, Lai – despite earning only 2,000 yuan a month at the time – bought all of Jiang's works for 8,000 yuan.

"That 8,000 yuan wasn't just money," Jiang recalled. "It gave me huge encouragement, as it showed I could make a living from painting."

Lai also urged Jiang to step out of the studio and reintegrate into society. Jiang later studied UI design, took on design jobs, and painted tirelessly on evenings and weekends.

Yet recognition remained elusive. Once, a gallery owner spoke sarcastically to Jiang that his work could "ward off evil spirits if hung on a wall, and prevent pregnancy if placed near a bed." Discouraged, Jiang discarded batches of paintings.

In 2020, a double blow worsened the condition: He lost his job and his father to cancer. In despair, he turned again to Lai, pleading for help selling his paintings and even entrusting him with his mother's care should he die.

Lai's response was unwavering: "Don't worry. Even if no one in the world buys your paintings, I will buy them for a lifetime."

After his father's death, Jiang immersed himself in painting as therapy, producing a large body of work. Lai was stunned by the emotional depth of the new pieces, calling them "powerful and soul-stirring."

In 2023, Lai began seeking buyers for Jiang. When some of his friends dismissed the paintings as "childish" or "garbage," Lai stood firm.

Today, Jiang's fortunes have changed dramatically. His work has attracted top-tier Chinese collectors like Liu Yiqian, with individual pieces now commanding prices exceeding 100,000 yuan. Though some call him "China's van Gogh," Jiang gently rejects the comparison: "Van Gogh's life was too tragic. I just want to live well."

For Jiang, art is synonymous with survival. "All I need is a pen and a sketchbook," he said. "They are the vessel that carries my life."