Become a My Ocula member for exclusive access to contemporary art and personalised artist recommendations.
Join Us Sign In
The Art World in Focus
Clear
Mao Yan

MAO YAN

New Paintings Pace Gallery 19 January–9 March 2024 London
Overview Preview Artworks Location
Request Prices & Availability
Press Release

Pace is pleased to present an exhibition of new paintings by Mao Yan in London, showcasing his artistic practice in recent years.

As one of the most influential painters in China, Mao Yan has established a reputation for his stunning portraits, continuing over the past decade to reflect on the depth of expression in the traditional medium of painting, as well as the relationship between art and life. Following his large-scale survey at the Song Art Museum in Beijing—a panoramic view of his explorations and attempts on visual language—the forthcoming London exhibition will focus on Mao Yan’s new artistic phase, bringing together recent works of his most representative portraits and abstract paintings. By layering time, materials, and brushstrokes, Mao Yan’s paintings demonstrate the possibilities of both classical temperament and dynamic innovation.

Read More

Installation Views

Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
Exhibition view: Mao Yan, New Paintings, Pace Gallery, 5 Hanover Square, London,(19 January–9 March 2024). Courtesy Pace Gallery.
About the Artist

Mao Yan (b.1968, Hunan Province, China) is considered as one of China’s outstanding contemporary portrait artists. Under his father’s influence, Mao Yan began studying painting at an early age. By the time he was a teenager he had already mastered advanced techniques, and his talent was recognized even before he was admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts. In 1991, after graduating from the Oil Painting Department at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, Mao Yan began teaching at Nanjing University of the Arts, where he began to delve into portraiture. In his article Explorations in Realism, renowned art critic Li Xianting named Mao Yan as the representative of Chinese Neo-realism, stating that his works depict the ‘portraits of a generation whose emotions are gradually disappearing.’

View Artist Profile

Also Exhibiting at Pace Gallery

All Exhibitions
Kenjiro Okazaki
KENJIRO OKAZAKI Never could be any other way — anagnorisis Pace Gallery 5 June–7 August 2026 London
David Byrne, Saul Steinberg
DAVID BYRNE, SAUL STEINBERG Influence and Affinity Pace Gallery 28 May–1 August 2026 125 Newbury
Emily Kam Kngwarray
EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY The Turning Season Pace Gallery 15 May–14 August 2026 508 & 510 West 25th, New york
Paul Thek
PAUL THEK Dream of Vanishing Pace Gallery 15 May–14 August 2026 540 West 25th Street, New York
Address
5 Hanover Square
London
United Kingdom
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:30am – 6pm
(1)
London 5 Hanover Square
Pace Gallery contemporary art gallery in London
Pace Gallery
5 Hanover Square, London, United Kingdom
+44 020 3206 7600
http://pacegallery.com

Opening hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:30am – 6pm
Magazine Gallery Platform Advisory
Ocula Magazine

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.

Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.

 Learn more about Ocula Magazine Learn more about Ocula Magazine Ocula Gallery Platform

Showcasing the best of the art world.

Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.

 Learn more about Ocula Membership Learn more about Ocula Membership Ocula Advisory

Specialises in the sale of major artworks.

Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.

 Learn more about our team and services Learn more about Ocula Advisory
The art world in focus