Zeng’s diverse and innovative painting practice has established him as one of the world’s most celebrated living artists. In a career spanning over three decades to date, Zeng repeatedly challenges convention to constantly evolve his practice, resulting in artistic breakthroughs, versatile painting styles, and a rich oeuvre.

He has shaped the course of Chinese contemporary art by redefining the principles of painting, as well as by creating opportunities and securing a future for Chinese art through the work of The Fanzhi Foundation for Art and Education, which was founded in 2011 and continues to be funded by Zeng today.

Hauser & Wirth looks forward to further developing the artist’s international profile through a series of major exhibitions, public programs, publishing projects, and through the commissioning of new scholarship. Together the gallery and the artist will launch initiatives that place a strong emphasis on education and academic pursuit – in addition to representing the artist, Hauser & Wirth will establish an ongoing collaboration with The Fanzhi Foundation, which supports and promotes art and cultural related events in conjunction with a range of institutions worldwide.

Hauser & Wirth’s first exhibition project with Zeng will take place in fall this year. A number of academic events – including international symposia – are also being planned to coincide with the publication of a comprehensive catalogue raisonné of the artist’s work: Volume 1, documenting the first 20 years (1984 – 2004) of Zeng’s career, will be released in summer 2018. In addition to an in-depth collaboration with Hauser & Wirth, the artist will continue a relationship and professional exchange with his existing galleries.

Zeng’s joining Hauser & Wirth marks an important step in the gallery’s increasing global reach as their first permanent space in Asia opens on 26 March 2018 across two floors of the new H Queen’s development in Hong Kong.

Image: Portrait of Zeng Fanzhi. Photography by Li Zhenhua © 2018 Zeng Fanzhi