He Wenjue, Water, 2005

He Wenjue (Chinese, b. 1958) is a contemporary artist known for his evocative mixed-media works that explore memory, history, and cultural identity. Born in China, He was influenced by the country’s shifting political landscape and rapid modernisation, themes that would later inform his artistic practice. He studied at the China Academy of Art, where he developed a deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary artistic techniques.

He's work is characterised by its layered compositions, often blending painting, photography, and printmaking. He draws from historical archives, personal experiences, and collective memory, creating pieces that examine the tension between past and present. His use of muted tones and abstract forms evokes a sense of nostalgia and loss, while his experimentation with materials lends a tactile, almost ephemeral quality to his work.

A prominent figure in contemporary Chinese art, He Wenjue has exhibited internationally, with his works featured in major galleries and institutions. His art challenges viewers to reconsider historical narratives and their own place within them, bridging the personal with the universal.