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NAN Wei

Wei Nan was born in Beijing, China, in 1994. She obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design from the Beijing University of Technology in 2016. In between her studies, Wei gained an opportunity for an exchange study at Saga University in Japan, which inspired her interest in lacquer art and woodwork. Subsequently, she decided to study in Japan to broaden her horizons. Wei earned her Master's Degree from the Graduate School of
Faculty of Art and Regional Design, Saga University. She pursued her Doctoral Degree at the Graduate School of Fine Arts in Kyoto University of Arts.

At a relatively young age, Wei Nan received numerous awards while studying in Japan, including the Cultural Foundation Award at the 67th Japan Saga Prefectural Art Exhibition in 2017, and the Student Award at the 57th Japan Crafts Exhibition in 2018, the Encouragement Award at the 59th Japan Crafts Exhibition in 2020. In addition, her work was selected to exhibit at one of the most prestigious exhibitions, Ishikawa International
Urushi Exhibition, in 2020. Most recently her work “Power of Flower” has became permanent collection in Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK.

Artist’s Voice

During the 8 years I spent studying and creating lacquer art in Japan, I dedicated most of my time exploring three-dimensional forms within the realm of lacquer art. As an introvert, I interact with the outside world and express myself through my art. It feels as though I am whispering my innermost thoughts, bursting passions and enthusiasm to my works. This process stands in stark contrast to my quiet facade. Every work is a part of my self-portrait in reveal.

I want to convey the strength and
vitality of Nature in every single
curve in my works.

My works are not merely decorative, the majority of them feature monochromatic tones, as I place emphasis on expressive shapes. I delve into the unique properties of materials, particularly leather, and the potential of lacquer in conjunction with leather. The supple and flexible nature of leather enables me to convey the mystical world within my heart.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic beauty of nature, such as the blossoming of flowers, the undulating waves stirred by a gentle breeze, and the graceful contours of the human form, I seek to capture these aesthetics in my art.

By juxtaposing the textures of leather
and the sophistication of lacquer,
I create a dynamic interplay that beckons
the viewer to engage with the artwork on
a visual, tactile and emotional level,
offering a multi-sensory experience.

I want to convey to viewers that every gesture contains strength and vitality. I wish to capture, through lacquer art making, the moments of dancing, the motion of blooming, and energy from within myself.

SOLO EXHIBITION

2020

WEI Nan solo exhibition ,Lacquer Exhibition - Dream Road", The Gallery of Kyoto City University of Arts

2021

WEI Nan solo exhibition ,Lacquer - The Way of Beauty , Gallery Maronie , Kyoto

2022

Shall we dance - Lacquer Art by WEI Nan , The Gallery by SOIL, Hong Kong

2023

WEI Nan solo exhibition, Blooming Lacquer , Gallery Gion Konishi, Kyoto

GROUP EXHIBITION

2017

The 56st Japan Crafts Exhibition, Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, Tokyo

2018

The 1st Japan New Craft Student Selection Exhibition, The National Art Center, Tokyo

2019

The 58st Japan Crafts Exhibition, Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, Tokyo

2020

The Ishikawa International Urushi Exhibition 2020 ,The Wajima Museum of Lacquer Art, Ishikawa

2021

Collect 2021 ,international art fair for contemporary craft and design, UK

New Wave, The Gallery by SOIL, Hong Kong

IAG AWARDS 2021 Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre ,Tokyo

Wei Nan & He Lan lacquer Exhibition , Artislong Gallery, Kyoto

Fine Art Asia 2021, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre ,Hong Kong

Autumn Exhibition Crafts Dialogue , The Gallery by SOIL, Hong Kong

AWARD

2017

The 67st Japan Saga Prefectural Art Exhibition, Cultural Foundation Award

2018

The 57st Japan Crafts Exhibition, Student Award

2020

The 59st Japan Crafts Exhibition, Encouragement Award

2021

Cheongju International Craft Competition Cheongju Craft Biennale Cheongju Korea, Republic of, The Special Prize

Art Meets Architecture Competition AAC 2021 Urbanet Corporation Tokyo Japan, Grand Prize

2022

Wang Jie & Wei Nan Exhibition, Art Space Yokan , Kyoto

Shape of Quality Lacquer Work Exhibition, Gallery Tsukibae, Kanazawa

Fine Art Asia 2022, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre ,Hong Kong

Exhibition of 5 Rising Crafts Artist, The Museum of Kyoto, Kyoto

KOGEI Art Fair Kanazawa, Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, Kanazawa

PERMANENT COLLECTION

2023

Victoria and Albert Museum