Group 1 - The 2025 ART021 BEIJING and Beijing Contemporary Art Fair will take place from May 22 to 25, showcasing over 200 art institutions globally, focusing on new dimensions of art empowered by technology, female perspectives, and cross-media experimentation [1] - ShanghART Gallery will present influential contemporary Chinese artists at both fairs, emphasizing its role in the long-term development of the contemporary art ecosystem in China [1][4] - The exhibitions will feature a diverse array of works, including paintings, photography, and installations, highlighting the evolution of contemporary Chinese art from conceptual experimentation to narrative imagery [2] Group 2 - Notable works include Hu Xiangcheng's "Experimental-E07A" and Yang Fudong's "Yongque" series, which explore themes of life energy and intellectual dilemmas, respectively [2][3] - The Beijing Contemporary Art Fair will also feature ShanghART Gallery's intergenerational artist lineup, reinforcing its commitment to the local art ecosystem [3] - The dual exhibitions reflect ShanghART Gallery's ambition to intertwine academic narratives with emerging practices, establishing a robust discourse in a fluctuating art market [4]

Core Viewpoint - Zeng Fanzhi has become a symbol of contemporary Chinese art, breaking the billion yuan mark in art sales, with his work "The Last Supper" fetching 1.81 billion HKD, setting a record for contemporary Asian art [2][8]. Group 1: Artistic Journey - Zeng Fanzhi's career began in 1990 with a controversial exhibition that showcased his bold use of red paint, which was deemed excessive [2]. - His artistic evolution includes several phases, starting from the influence of German Expressionism in the early 1990s, moving to the iconic "Mask" series, and later developing a unique "chaotic brush" style [5][7]. - The "Mask" series, characterized by figures wearing pale masks, reflects urban alienation and has become a signature of his work [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - Zeng Fanzhi's artworks are considered "hard currency" in the art market, with total sales exceeding 35.8 billion CNY, consistently placing him at the top of contemporary Chinese artists [9]. - His auction records include "The Last Supper" at 1.81 billion HKD and "The Concord Hospital Series No. 3" at 48.45 million HKD, showcasing his market dominance [8][9]. - The rise of Zeng's market value is linked to the emergence of a new wealthy class in China, which views his works as cultural investments and status symbols [10]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - Zeng Fanzhi's contributions have established a global discourse on contemporary Chinese art, with his "Mask" symbol interpreted as a reflection of identity anxiety in a globalized context [10]. - His chaotic brush style challenges the aesthetic barriers between Eastern and Western art, representing a significant cultural dialogue [10]. - Despite ongoing controversies regarding his artistic direction, Zeng's journey from a struggling artist to a prominent figure in international art reflects the transformation of contemporary Chinese art from imitation to establishing its own identity [10].