Chen Zhen (Shanghai, 1955 __ Paris, 2000) is one of the main figures in contemporary art that since the late 1980s, has overcome the discrepancies between Eastern and Western artistic expression, and influenced an entire generation of artists.
After moving to Paris in 1986, he enriched his research by investigating the relationship between spirituality and modern capitalist culture. He also developed a personal iconography of the human body, alternating the use of a variety of materials such as wood, soil, water, fabric, and glass, with everyday objects such as newspapers, clothing, chairs, and medicines.
The retrospective exhibition of Chen Zhen's work at Pirelli HangarBicocca will present a vast selection of large-scale installations made from the 1990s until the artist's untimely passing. These monumental works are the core of the artist's oeuvre reflecting on the organic principles and the cyclical processes that characterize the various phases of human existence. The artist's solo shows have been presented within the most important international institutions, including Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai (2015); Museo d'arte moderna e contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto, Rovereto, Kunsthalle, Vienna [travelling exhibition] (2007-08); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2003-04); Pac Padiglione d'arte contemporanea di Milano, Milan, MoMA PS1, New York (2003); Serpentine Gallery, London (2001); GAM Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Turin (2000); New Museum, New York (1994).
His works have been included in many group shows at some of the most prestigious institutions, including Solomon R. Guggenheim, New York (2017-18); Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing (2007-08); Muse d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Paris (2000-01); Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam (1994); Grand Palais, Paris (1988). The artist has also participated in the 4th Lyon Biennale, 2nd Gwangju Biennale (1997); several editions of the Venice Biennale (2009, 2007, 1999); 3rd Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane (1999-2000).
