White Cube has announced representation of Chinese artist Shao Fan (b.1964, Beijing). His first exhibition with the gallery will take place at White Cube Mason’s Yard, London, in spring 2026.
Profoundly influenced by traditional Chinese culture whilst also referencing elements of Western art, Shao Fan’s practice – encompassing ethereal paintings, sculptures and installations – explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. His subjects range from depictions of hares, monkeys, whales, fruit and vegetables to the appreciation and aesthetics of oldness, all of which allude to historical Chinese customs and beliefs.
Shao Fan’s understanding of his cultural heritage was shaped by his upbringing in Beijing: both of his parents were renowned artists and professors at Central Academy of Fine Arts, and he learnt to paint at an early age. At home, he was surrounded by examples of Ming dynasty (1368-1644) furniture which his parents collected. As an adult, he began reconfiguring discarded chairs into what would become his best-known sculptural forms.
Observing the principles of Tao, Shao Fan often enters into a meditative state when making his work. His monochromatic ink on rice paper paintings arise through an intense period of concentration, whilst his sculptures integrate modern matter and forms with ancient materials and techniques to generate new meaning.
Susan May, Global Artistic Director, White Cube remarks:
‘We are delighted to work with Shao Fan, whose distinct visual language bridges the past and present, aligning perfectly with White Cube’s ethos of making the contemporary historic and historic contemporary. We look forward to introducing his work to new audiences around the world, including his first solo exhibition in the UK at our Mason’s Yard gallery next year.’
Shao Fan’s work is included in the exhibitions ‘Shuimo: Chinese contemporary Ink Painting in the Hunan Timezone’ at Hunan Art Museum, China (21st February – 6th April 2025) and ‘M+ Sigg Collection: Inner Worlds’ at M+, Hong Kong (opening 27th June 2025), as well as the 15th Shanghai Biennale, Power Station of Art, China (8th November 2025 – 31st March 2026).
Coinciding with Art Basel Hong Kong, an artist talk moderated by Diana Campbell, Artistic Director of Bukhara Biennial, will take place on 29th March 2025, 12.30–1.30pm, in the Auditorium (N101B, Level 1) of Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.
The artist’s painting Rabbit 1624 (2024) will be on view at White Cube’s booth during Art Basel Hong Kong (28th–30th March 2025, booth 1C23).S hao Fan is represented by White Cube, Vitamin Creative Space and Galerie Urs Meile.
About the artist
Shao Fan (also known as Yu Han) was born in 1964 in Beijing, China, where hecontinues to live and work. Solo museum exhibitions include Het NoordbrabantsMuseum, Netherlands (2020); Ludwig Museum im Deutschherrenhaus, Koblenz,Germany and Suzhou Museum, China (both 2018). His work has appeared innumerous group exhibitions, including at M+, Hong Kong (2021); Kunstmuseum Luzern, Switzerland (2018); Deichtorhallen Hamburg, Germany (2014); Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris (2014); The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (2013);amongst others. In 2008, Shao Fan was the gold medal winner of the RHS ChelseaFlower Show in London for his design ‘I Dream I Seek my Garden’. His work is partof many museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York;Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Fukuoka Art Museum, Japan; Centre Pompidou, Paris; National Art Museum of China, Beijing; and M+, Hong Kong.
