Song Wei China, b. 1980

Overview

Song Wei is a Chinese contemporary artist recognized for blending traditional Chinese ceramic techniques with modern capitalist imagery, notably through his "hamburger" and "bear" sculptures. His work, often featured by galleries like Art Now, explores the tension between tradition, rapid modernization, and Western cultural influences.

 

Born around 1980 and based in Sichuan, Wei develops a practice at the intersection of painting and sculpture, blending personal memory with reflections on the shifting dynamics of contemporary Chinese society. His work is distinguished by the use of traditional blue-and-white porcelain motifs—such as dragons and qilin—applied to contemporary, everyday objects like hamburgers, creating a dialogue between historical heritage and consumer culture.

 

Through playful yet symbolically charged forms, often embodied by vivid, emotive faces with simplified, iconic eyes, Wei explores the tension between childhood memories and adult experiences, while questioning the evolution of values in modern China. Among his most iconic series are the “Hamburger” works and his ceramic bear figures. His work has been exhibited in various galleries and international art fairs, including presentations in Singapore, reflecting his growing presence on the contemporary art scene.

Exhibitions