Zhu Jinshi, born in 1954 in Beijing, is a notable figure in Chinese contemporary art, recognized for his abstract, richly textured paintings and large-scale installations. He began his career with the Stars Group in Beijing in the late 1970s, an avant-garde collective that pushed the boundaries of traditional aesthetics and defied censorship. In the 1980s, Zhu moved to Berlin, where he further refined his distinct style, blending influences from Chinese philosophy and Western abstraction.
Zhu’s artwork is distinguished by thick, almost sculptural layers of paint applied with bold, sweeping gestures. His approach emphasizes the physical presence of paint, creating a sense of depth and structure that invites a tactile, visceral response. In some works, Zhu applies oil paint in monumental layers, producing a commanding visual impact. His installations, often incorporating materials like rice paper and bamboo, draw on traditional Chinese cultural elements, reinterpreting them within a contemporary context.