Born into a literary family in Nantong, Jiangsu, Fan Zeng was a prodigious talent. His family’s renowned reputation for producing poets and calligraphers spanned generations, and Fan Zeng, the 13th descendant of the Fan family lineage, would carry on this tradition. Inherited from his father, Fan Ziyu, an alumnus of the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, were not only the family’s literary and calligraphic traditions but also a passion for painting.
“I was introduced to the art of painting from a young age,” Fan Zeng reminisced. His father’s nurturing ignited a spark in him that saw him become the youngest member of the Nantong Art Association at just 13.
His journey took him to Nankai University in Tianjin, where he initially studied history. However, a passionate pull towards painting led him to transfer to the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. There he intended to study art history but, after an unexpected dissolution of the department, he found his path leading to traditional Chinese painting. As Fan Zeng put it, “Life has many coincidences.”
His time at the university provided him with a rich academic soil. His professors were distinguished painters who left deep impressions on Fan Zeng’s artistic evolution. Their styles of brushwork heavily influenced his own, shaping his understanding of art and refining his craft.
Among all historical figures, Laozi, the founder of Taoism over 2,000 years ago, holds a special place in Fan Zeng’s admiration. His paintings often communicate with Laozi, interpreting and embodying the sage’s philosophy. “The Laozi I paint is my own interpretation… The Laozi I depict is filled with ethereal qualities, including his demeanor,” he explained.
Fan Zeng’s unique approach combines decisive brush strokes and mastery of calligraphic techniques, bringing his subjects to life. His vast study of classical philosophy, history, and literature lends his artworks profound philosophical reflections. His canvas has captured diverse figures, from ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi to German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche and scientist Albert Einstein, with each piece echoing different philosophical views that have shaped his own artistic expression.
International recognition for Fan Zeng’s art came in the late 1970s during an exhibition held in Japan. His work caused a sensation and has since resonated with global audiences. Notably, in 2015, Fan Zeng held an exhibition at the Complesso del Vittoriano in Rome, Italy, where Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella awarded him the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Now in his eighties, Fan Zeng continues to create and teach, passing on the tradition to the next generation. The calligrapher, painter, and poet believes that through continuous learning and teaching, the wisdom of ancient art forms can transcend time, remaining forever vibrant. In doing so, Fan Zeng’s legacy, much like the ethereal characters in his paintings, endures – a testament to his lifelong journey in art and philosophy.
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