Sculptor Wang Keping finds the essence or vitality of his creations residing within the very wood he works with. After prolonged observation of its knots and branches, he is inspired to uncover what lies within. His journey as a wood sculptor began four decades ago, when he was a spirited young individual in China, fighting alongside his comrades for the freedom to express contemporary art. Today, he stands as a master, a wise sage, and a philosopher, finding everything he needs within the confines of his garden. While his primary themes revolve around Woman, Man, Couple, Mother and Child, Birds and what he terms Ex-Voto to describe his abstract works, each passing year sees Wang Keping grow more adept in capturing the material's essence and exploring its offerings. As a result, we witness his forms evolve and renew, showcasing his mastery. In this exhibition will be a large "Couple” in embrace made from rare and precious mahogany wood. He has honed a distinctive style that at times feels intimate and flowing and others can elucidate a crude and primitive nature. He skilfully displays forms within forms and devises subtle slashes to evoke a certain emotion, a humorous gesture or a provocative intention. "La Femme Qui Regarde Derrière (Woman who is Looking Back) 2017," sculpted from Cedar, demonstrates Wang's clever use of the wood's various branches to shape the woman. Notably, a natural knot suggests an eye, and her gaze directed backward reveals the artist's ironic sense of humour, which permeates his body of work and career. Wang Keping has lived and worked in France since 1984. In the last 2 years he has participated in exhibitions at the Musée Rodin, The Musée Guimet, The Chateau de Chambord, The Centre Pompidou and is being recognized and revered for his long accomplishments to sculpture.
Wang Keping is recognized internationally and has been collected and exhibited at the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the M+ Uli Sigg Collection, Hong Kong; the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Fukuoka, among others.
