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].