Zhan Gengxi was born in Kaifeng, Henan Province in 1941. In 1958, he was admitted to the Chinese Traditional Painting Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts where he was a student of Ye Qianyu, Li Keran, Li Kuchan, and Tian Shiguang. In 1979, he resumed his studies at the academy, but this time as a postgraduate majoring in Flower & Bird painting under the tutorship of Professor Li Kuchan and Professor Tian Shiguang.
Zhan’s paintings of Flowers & Birds in traditional Chinese style reflect not only a deep understanding of the masterpieces of the Song and Yuan Dynasty, but also an acute comprehension of the strong points of different contemporary scholars. Following the footsteps of the ancient masters, Zhan does not forget to be creative, always learning from nature, but not being restricted by it. He seeks to capture both appearance and spirit in his painting. The flexible movements of brush, magnificent colors and a refreshing characteristic make a unique style.
His works have been published many times and exhibited at home and aboard. A number of Zhan’s paintings are included in the collections of the Zhongnanhai (the Headquarters of the Chinese Central Government) and the Great Hall of the People (the Conference Building of the People’s Congress). His paintings have also been given as presents by the State to visiting heads of state. Zhan’s famous painting “A Splendid Future” is now on show in the Reception Hall of Zhongnanhai in Beijing. He is a member of the Chinese Artists’ Association, a researcher of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Painting and has been granted the title of State’s First-Class Painter.
