Chen is renowned for his depiction of the figures and scenes of Old Shanghai.
"Chen Yifei: A Retrospective on Art and Legacy" will be on show at the Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) from April 26 to October 12.
Chen Yifei (1946-2005), a legendary name in China's contemporary art history, doesn't seem to fade with time.
The man was a pioneer who introduced the concept of "grand fine arts" to contemporary China and was an advocate and practitioner of "visual arts." He achieved accomplishments in different areas, including painting, film, fashion and environmental design.
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Chen's passing. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for visitors to have a comprehensive review of his artistic achievements.
The exhibition features nearly 100 of Chen's artworks, varying from oil paintings, prints, sketches, watercolors, and sculptures to video art and other media. Some precious historical documents will also reveal the evolution of Chen' career, highlighting his significant contributions across various fields.
Some of his signature artworks are included in the exhibition. For example, "My Neighbor" created in 1996, has been purchased by a private collector and preserved in London for many years. This piece depicts a corner of Chen's ancestral home, embodying the artist's profound memories and emotions for his hometown.
Staffs at MAP are unpacking "My Neighbor" created by Chen in 1996.
Born in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, Chen graduated from the Shanghai School of Fine Arts, where he honed his skills in oil painting, a medium for which he would become internationally recognized.
His art is characterized by a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles, combining traditional Chinese aesthetics with Western techniques. His works often depict romanticized scenes of Chinese life and landscapes, rendered with meticulous attention to detail and a rich, vibrant palette.
Chen was also a pioneer in bringing Chinese art to the international stage. He was among the first Chinese artists to achieve widespread recognition in the West, with his works being exhibited in prestigious galleries and fetching high prices at auctions.