Fan Shao

Known for blending traditional Chinese cultural influences with elements of Western art, Shao often explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature in his work.

Early Years

Born into a family of artists in Beijing, Shao Fan’s understanding of cultural was shaped by his upbringing. Both his parents were renowned artists and teachers at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he learned to paint at an early age. Surrounded by examples of Ming dynasty (1386—1644) furniture collected by his parents, Shao developed a deep appreciation for traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Key motifs in Shao Fan’s work

Shao Fan’s subjects range from depictions of hares, monkeys, whales, fruits, and vegetables to the appreciation and aesthetics of old age. These motifs allude to Chinese customs and beliefs, reflecting the artist’s profound connection to traditional Chinese culture while incorporating contemporary elements.

How does Shao Fan approach his creative process?

Observing the principles of Tao, Shao Fan often enters a meditative state when creating his work. His monochromatic ink on rice paper paintings arise through intense periods of concentration. In his sculptural practice, Shao integrates modern materials and forms with ancient techniques to generate new meanings.

Shao Fan’s most famous works

Shao studied wood carving and porcelain making in Beijing, and began reconfiguring discarded chairs into what would become his best-known sculptural forms. In 1995 he began his ‘Chairs’ series in which historic Ming-style forms are reconstructed into sleek, sometimes surreal, modern hybrids using contemporary forms, techniques, and materials. Teasing the boundaries between art and design, these works exemplifies the artist’s ability to bridge past and present, transforming traditional Chinese furniture designs into contemporary art pieces.

What recognition has Shao Fan received?

Shao Fan’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide. Notable solo museum exhibitions include Het Noordbrabants Museum, Netherlands (2020), Ludwig Museum im Deutschherrenhaus, Koblenz, Germany, and Suzhou Museum, China (both 2018). In 2008, Shao Fan was the gold medal winner of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London for his design ‘I Dream I Seek my Garden’.

Shao Fan’s work was included in the 2025 exhibition Hunan Timezone at Hunan Museum, and he was selected to show work in the 15th Shanghai Biennale, China (8 November 2025-31 March 2026).

Shao Fan’s works in public collections

Shao Fan’s work is held by many prestigious museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan; and M+, Hong Kong.

Fan Shao FAQs

Ocula | 2025