Born in Shanghai, Chen Xinmao’s (b. 1954) practice is deeply rooted in the evolution of traditional ink painting while expanding its possibilities through modern visual language, narrative structure, and conceptual depth. At the core of Chen’s practice is a distinctive synthesis of landscape, figure painting, and calligraphic inscription, arranged in layered, almost cinematic compositions. Rather than depicting observed nature, he constructs imagined or memory-driven environments in which gardens, interiors, and figures become symbolic carriers of cultural meaning. His renowned Peony Pavilion series transforms literary narrative into immersive pictorial worlds where human figures find themselves within stylized gardens that serve as metaphors for emotion and desire.
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Chen Xinmao is a contemporary Chinese ink artist known for combining traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary visual expression. As a result, his works often move between landscape, figure painting, and conceptual ink art. Moreover, his paintings frequently integrate text, imagery, and symbolism within a single composition. Therefore, his work reflects both artistic tradition and contemporary culture.
Chen Xinmao was born in Shanghai in 1954 and studied at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. After that, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1982. Subsequently, he obtained a master’s degree from the Nanjing University of the Arts in 1987. As a result, he received both academic training and traditional ink painting education.
He later became a professor at East China Normal University. In addition, he supervised graduate students and contributed to ink painting education. Therefore, his academic role became an important part of his career. At the same time, he continued to develop his own artistic practice.
Chen’s work combines landscape, architecture, figures, and calligraphic text. However, rather than presenting a purely traditional landscape, he constructs imagined environments. As a result, his paintings often appear layered and narrative. Moreover, literature and theatre have influenced his artistic development. Therefore, his paintings often contain storytelling elements.
For example, some paintings include figures placed within architectural or garden settings. In these works, space is constructed through memory rather than observation. Consequently, the paintings appear both real and imagined. At the same time, the compositions reflect Chinese aesthetic philosophy.
One of Chen’s most well-known bodies of work is inspired by Peony Pavilion. In this series, he explores themes of love, dreams, and time. As a result, the garden becomes an important symbolic space. Moreover, figures placed within the garden represent human experience and emotion.
At the same time, the landscape reflects the idea of the Chinese garden as a constructed world. Therefore, the paintings combine literature, history, and visual art. In addition, the use of ink and colour creates atmosphere and narrative space.
Chen Xinmao’s paintings combine ink, colour, and written text. In addition, he often uses multiple perspectives within one composition. As a result, the viewer moves through the painting visually. Furthermore, his brushwork ranges from controlled lines to expressive ink washes. Consequently, his work balances structure and spontaneity.
In contrast to traditional ink painting, his compositions are often fragmented. However, they remain rooted in calligraphy and ink tradition. Therefore, his visual language combines tradition and modernity.
Chen has exhibited extensively since the 1980s. For example, his works have been shown across China, Europe, and Asia. In addition, he has held solo exhibitions in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore. As a result, his work has gained international recognition.
He has also participated in major contemporary ink exhibitions. Therefore, his career reflects both academic and international engagement. Meanwhile, his paintings continue to evolve in style and concept.
In addition to exhibiting, Chen has taught for many years at East China Normal University. Moreover, he has published research and participated in academic committees. As a result, his influence extends beyond his own artworks. Furthermore, he has contributed to the development of contemporary ink painting through education.
Therefore, his role as an artist and educator is closely connected. At the same time, his paintings continue to explore new visual possibilities.
Chen Xinmao belongs to a generation of artists associated with the development of contemporary ink art in China. During this period, artists experimented with new forms while engaging with tradition. As a result, ink painting entered a new phase of development. Similarly, Chen’s work reflects both historical change and artistic experimentation.
Therefore, his paintings can be understood as a dialogue between past and present. Overall, his work represents a contemporary approach to ink painting while remaining connected to cultural tradition.
Selected Solo Exhibitions
Selected Group Exhibitions
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