The contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi is a huge admirer of Vincent van Gogh. Especially for the Van Gogh Museum, he created a series of new paintings. This select presentation of four works was on display at the museum from 20 October 2017 to 5 March 2018.
20 October 2017 to 5 March 2018
Zeng Fanzhi | Van Gogh
Zeng Fanzhi (1964) views Van Gogh’s iconic paintings from a Chinese perspective, adding a personal twist in his works. In Zeng’s versions, which are alive with winding lines, he links his own style and identity to the life and work of Van Gogh.
Experience the self-portraits, shoes and wheatfields anew through his eyes. Zeng Fanzhi helps you to see and reflect on Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, use of colour and artistic vision.
- Exhibition
- Zeng Fanzhi | Van Gogh
- From
- 20 October 2017
- Until
- 5 March 2018
Self-portraits
Van Gogh’s style, appearance and personality are united in his self-portraits. Zeng copied the works before covering them in his swirling lines – placing his identity, as it were, over that of Van Gogh.
"The more I paint, the stronger the impression I get that Van Gogh is like a character from a fairy tale. I cannot explain why. But as soon as I finish the works, he becomes a legend in my heart." - Zeng Fanzhi
Willem van Gogh meets Zeng Fanzhi
Zeng Fanzhi explains how the work of Vincent van Gogh has inspired him.
World first
The presentation of Zeng Fanzhi’s spectacular new works at the Van Gogh Museum is a world first. From 20 October 2017 to 5 March 2018, all visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to view the works.
Van Gogh inspires
More than 125 years after his death, Van Gogh still inspires. His life and work – packed with colour, energy and emotion – have influenced countless modern and contemporary artists. The museum regularly displays works by these artists. Earlier in the series: Francis Bacon (1909-1992), Edvard Munch (1863-1944), Frank Auerbach (1931) and Willem de Kooning (1904-1997).
With support of
This presentation was made in close collaboration with the Fanzhi Foundation. It was made possible thanks to the exclusive and generous support of Mr and Mrs Cheung.
