Posted in December 2024 – Shanghai, China

In December 2024, we traveled to Shanghai to visit our dear friend, the celebrated Chinese realist painter Chen Yiming. Known for his masterful oil paintings that capture the grace of women and the cultural essence of old Shanghai, Chen’s studio reflects the elegance and precision found in his work.

We arrived earlier than expected, and rather than have us wait in the building’s lobby, Chen graciously called the front desk and asked them to unlock the doors to his spacious studio. To our delight, they also brought us freshly made lattes. As we sipped and settled in, we explored an extraordinary collection of Chinese and international art that surrounded us, an experience as rich and textured as the paintings that have made Chen Yiming internationally known.

Born in Shanghai in 1951, Chen is the younger brother of famed artist Chen Yifei. While their styles share a sense of romantic realism, Chen Yiming has carved a unique path of his own. His work often features women in traditional Chinese dress, portrayed in exquisite detail amid classical objects such as fans, musical instruments, and period furnishings. His art is a tribute to Chinese culture and heritage, rendered with refined oil painting techniques that bridge East and West.

Chen began his formal art training at the Shanghai Art Technology Academy and later studied at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. In 1981, he moved to the U.S. to study at the Art Students League of New York and later continued his education in Paris. Over the years, his works have been exhibited at the Shanghai Art Museum, Hammer Galleries in New York, and many other venues worldwide. He has also held prestigious roles including professor at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts and director of the China Oil Painting Society.