【EXHIBITION】2024 VENICE ART BIENNIAL
< PERSONAL STRUCTURES BEYOND BOUNDARIES >
-Presentation of the exhibition-
From April 20 to November 24, 2024, Venice, Italy, is the meeting place of art and dreams. In the majestic Palazzo Bembo, a historic palace, an artistic event titled "Personal Structures Beyond Boundaries" is being held concurrently with the Venice Art Biennale. The exhibition is open six days a week for a duration of seven months, making it the only parallel exhibition in history to collaborate with the official Venice Biennale.
The Palazzo Bembo, built by the Bembo family in the 15th century, still retains its original structure despite several renovations. Located on the Saint Mark’s Lagoon side of the Grand Canal, between the San Salvador canal and Bembo Street, it is also the birthplace of Pietro Bembo (1470-1547), a Venetian scholar, poet, literary theorist, and cardinal. He played a significant role in developing the Italian language (particularly Tuscan) as a literary medium, and his writings helped revive interest in Petrarch’s works in the 16th century.
Today, this building serves as a hotel and a venue for contemporary art exhibitions. The red façade of the palace is adorned with multiple windows, combining ancient Venetian elements with Byzantine architectural influence. This façade is considered an example of Venetian Gothic-Byzantine style, which emerged in the 14th century by absorbing Byzantine styles from Constantinople, Arab influences from Moorish Spain, and early Gothic forms from mainland Italy. The Palazzo Bembo was restored in the 17th century, incorporating influences from this period into its multicolored decoration, three-part façade, and hallways.
La Galerie Leo et Co, as one of the participants in this exhibition, has brought together 10 renowned and emerging artists, covering various forms of art such as painting and photography. This exhibition has highlighted the works of internationally recognized and emerging artists, photographers, sculptors, and academic institutions, expressing current themes related to time, space, and existence through different media and channels. The aim is to foster the exchange of ideas and concepts in the field of contemporary art.
The venue for this exhibition boasts unique historical and architectural features, offering artists and viewers alike a profound cultural and artistic experience. Join us in Venice, and together, let's enter the Palazzo Bembo to experience the fusion of art and dreams, and explore the infinite possibilities of contemporary art.
Galerie Leo et Co has brought together 10 exceptional contemporary artists to take part in the “Personal Structures” exhibition in Venice.
Palazzo Bembo, Venise
Exhibiting artists :
Huili CHENG / Yanhua FENG / Kacey KO / Zhifang QIAN / Dong RUAN /
Xiaolan SUN / SHANG / Aziguli WUFUER / Quan YU / Wenyu ZHU
2024 VENICE ART BIENNIAL《 PERSONAL STRUCTURES 》
FROM APRIL 20 TO NOVEMBER 24, 2024
-Presentation of participating artists' works-
1. Huili CHENG
Member of the New York Hudson Artists Association, member of the New York Overseas Chinese Artists Association, member of the AISART Sino-Italian Cultural and Artistic Exchange Association, member of the ASFEA Sino-French Artistic Exchange Association, and artist under contract with the Arte Borgo gallery in Rome.
A graduate of Zhejiang University of Technology, specializing in fashion design, she traveled to Europe to study with GIANLUIGI MATTIA, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and renowned artist, and now lives in Hangzhou.
Recent exhibitions:
In September 2023: Solo exhibition “Transparency is a new mystery” in Rome.
April 2023: Salon exhibition at the Centre de Design Bastille in Paris, wins the Prix d'Or and is selected for the June issue of “Art et Design” magazine in France.
February 2023: Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris.
In May 2022: Double Exhibition in Rome, Italy, at the event organized by ASIART Association de l'Échange Culturel Sino-italien: “Les énigmes douces” by Holly Cheng Hui Li and Gianluigi Mattia.
In 2021: Selected for the Carrousel du Louvre Contemporary Art Fair in Paris, France, presenting a personal project.
The Edge of Tranquility, Oil on canvas, 10x12cm x 19
2. Yanhua FENG
Yanhua Feng is a remarkable San Francisco-based artist rooted in Chinese culture who has attracted international attention. A graduate of Tsinghua University's Academy of Fine Arts, her educational background provided a solid foundation for her artistic journey and also stimulated her passion for exploring the boundaries of art.
Yanhua's works combine traditional Chinese aesthetics with the essence of contemporary Western art, presenting a unique visual language. Her work goes beyond the exploration of form and color to embody a philosophical reflection that transcends the boundaries of perception, offering viewers a visual and spiritual resonance beyond everyday experience.
She has made her mark in many major exhibitions, including her participation in the Salon des artistes indépendants at the Grand Palais in France, which propelled her artistic career to new heights. Today, San Francisco has become the fertile ground for her artistic creation, where she continually explores new forms of artistic expression, reflecting a deep understanding of contemporary society and a courageous exploration of unknown territories.
In preparing to take part in the Venice Biennale, Yanhua finds himself at a new departure in his artistic career. This exhibition is not only a recognition of her artistic practice to date, but also an excellent opportunity to showcase her artistic ideas and innovative spirit on the international art scene. Her works, rooted in tradition yet boldly innovative, augur well for her continued brilliance on the global art scene.
In her artistic career, Yanhua has not only demonstrated her personal artistic talent, but has also embodied the importance of intercultural dialogue, depth of perception and social reflection in art. His works are both an expression of his personal artistic quest and a response to the constant changes and developments in the contemporary art world. As his art continues to evolve, Yanhua will undoubtedly leave a unique and profound mark on the path of art.
Parallel Worlds I, Acrylic on canvas, 46x61cm
Parallel Worlds II, Acrylic on canvas, 46x61cm
3.Kacey KO
Kacey Ko is one of the finalists and rare Chinese representatives at the Salon Des Beaux Arts de Paris 2022, exploring the link between art and psychology. Ko's works have won awards and been exhibited at major international art shows such as Art Shopping 2023 at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Art Capital 2023 at the Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum's award-winning works exhibition in Rome - Silver Medal, Artexpo New York 2023 in Manhattan, and Spectrum Miami 2023 in Miami, USA. In 2023, Ko also won the prestigious Prix de peinture - Gold at the Salon Art Show Paris, during the 17th edition organized by the Centre de design Bastide in France. Locally in Hong Kong, Ko held a solo exhibition entitled “Oasis” at JCCAC, and was covered by media such as “Art and Piece” and “HK Artion & Life Style Journal”.
Ko defines her work as an introspection between human psychology and the art world: “I'm particularly interested in how art can become a means of reconnecting with the depths of our inner being. My cultural and philosophical origins play an important role in my work. I draw inspiration from the I Ching and combine its teachings with Western oil painting techniques to create landscapes that are both visually appealing and carry deep meaning.”
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Oasis (OJ-1201), Oil on canvas, 60x90cm
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Oasis (OJ-2301), Oil on canvas, 60x90cm
4. CHEN Qiyun
She was born in 1973 in the city of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. In 2016, she began to take an interest in photography, initially exploring natural landscapes. She was then captivated by the unique nuances and artistic charm of the black-and-white world, particularly under the influence of the eminent photographer Duan Yueheng. Since then, she has immersed herself in a dialogue with nature through monochrome images. Duan Yueheng, an heir to the pure photographic style of the F64 group, perfectly recreated the aesthetic standards of the film photography era in the digital age, paying tribute to nature through pure black-and-white images. His understanding of imagery and analysis of photographs, combined with digital processing techniques, allowed him to recreate visual elements and purify the aesthetics of landscape photography, overturning many traditional notions and modes of thinking. Beyond technical advancements, she also benefited from an improvement in her artistic reflection and culture, using her mind to capture the abstract world in black and white.
In 2019, she joined the Huangpu Photographic Club, founded by independent photographer Gao Lei, a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie in Paris, with rich experience in documentary photography and digital image processing. Within the club, she took systematic photography courses, ranging from photojournalism to documentary, conceptual, and contemporary artistic photography. She learned to use photography to express her thoughts and ideas, exploring through the lens moments that are bare, unique, strange, and sometimes melancholic.
Recent exhibitions and distinctions:
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2022: Contemporary Art Salon at the Louvre Museum in Paris
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2021: Dali International Photography Festival
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2021: Second prize SIGMA, GCPA bronze medal, GCPA ribbon, and GPU ribbon at the 3rd GCPA International Photography Contest
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2019: Australia-China International Photography Festival
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2019: Silver medal and GPU ribbon at the 1st GCPA International Photography Contest
5. Dong RUAN
Archeology Futuristic - Egypte, Photographie, 70x50cm
Master's degree in European Photography from the International School of Photography in Paris.
Masters and Doctorate in Psychology.
Contemporary artist;
Member of the Board of Directors of the Association de l'Échange Artistique Franco-Chinois;
Recent exhibitions and awards :
2019 : Toronto International Photography Festival
2019 : Dali International Photography Festival
2020 : Louvre Museum Contemporary Art Fair, Paris
2022: Shanghai International Art Fair
2022: "Spiel allein" Contemporary Art Exhibition in London (Best Photography Award)
2023: Tokyo International Art Fair (Franco-Japanese Art Prize)
2023: Rome International Art Fair
2023: Dubai World Art Fair
2023: "Summer Palette" Art Exhibition in Paris
2023: Kyla International Photography Competition in Germany (Selection Prize)
2023: Florence Literary and Artistic Prize (Silver Medal)
Zero Cracks, Photography, 81x55cm
6. Xiaolan SUN
A new-generation female artist who enjoys depicting Jiangnan's natural landscapes. Her works are unique, skilfully playing with the charm of colors through various media materials. Under her brush, tea mountains and lakes are sometimes radiant, sometimes misty, creating landscape oil paintings with a contemporary oriental charm. Her creative inspiration comes from a deep fascination with nature, skilfully integrating this emotion into each painting, conveying to the viewer an instinctive desire to be close to nature.
She holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the China Academy of Fine Arts. She is director of the Zhejiang Zhimei Painting Academy, executive director of the Hong Kong Artists' Association, director of the Hangzhou Xinlian Association, member of the Zhejiang Artists' Association, member of the Zhejiang Oil Painters' Association, member of the Zhejiang International Art Exchange Association and member of the Association of Chinese Artists in Spain. She has participated in major exhibitions in China and abroad and has organized several solo exhibitions, with many of her works collected by private individuals and art institutions both in China and internationally.In 2019, she received support from the Hangzhou Federation of Literary and Art Circles Quality Project Support Fund, used to organize a solo exhibition - "Green Water and Green Mountains - Beautiful Hangzhou" Sun Xiaolan painting exhibition.
Recent solo exhibitions:
In 2023 Wind from the Western Lake - Solo exhibition of works by Sun Xiaolan (Kurume Art Museum, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan)
In 2022 Rendez-vous with lakes and mountains - Solo exhibition of works by Sun Xiaolan (Shanghai Museum of Modern Art)
In 2021 INTRO: Time of anchored light - Solo exhibition of works by Sun Xiaolan (Yinxuan Gallery, Hangzhou)
In 2020 Secret Kingdom: Solo exhibition of paintings by Sun Xiaolan (Hangzhou Jianghong Art Museum)
In 2020 Green Water and Green Mountains, Beautiful Hangzhou: Solo exhibition of paintings by Sun Xiaolan (Hangzhou Baolong Art Center)
In 2019 Nature-Fantaisie: Solo exhibition of paintings by Sun Xiaolan (Zhang Zongxiang Memorial, Haining)
At the same time, his work has been exhibited at several major exhibitions such as the International Contemporary Art Fair at the Louvre in 2023, the Annual International Art Exhibition at the Grand Palais in France in 2019, the Young Artists' Exhibition at the European Foundation of Modern Art in Spain in 2019, the 8th Zhejiang Province Young Artists' Art Exhibition (at the Zhejiang Museum of Art) in 2021, and the Young Painters' Exhibition at the Zhejiang Institute of Contemporary Art in 2022.
The Lake Mirrors Series, Oil pastel on wood, 20x20cm x9
7. SHANG
SHANG (Qiyu XU) is an artist, photographer and musician currently living in Nanjing, China. He graduated with a degree in physics and began creating art after graduation. His work consists of photographic collections and individual works. Recently, he has concentrated on photography, with compositions of different elements and photographs of art installations. His works and information about himself are included in the CAM (2023) chronicle.
Recent exhibitions:
2024 :
"Top Level Design", Art Capital 2024, Musée du Grand Palais, Paris, France
2023 :
"Executed and Remained", Biennale di Genova 2023, Palazzo Stella, Genoa, Italy
"Top Level Design", 18th Milano Photofestival, Palazzo Durini, Milan, Italy
"Vessel", "The Trees", "Blooming Life" Global Healing art contest and online exhibition, International Art Education & Therapy Development Academic Association, China
"Vessel", "Light of Love" Global Healing Art Exhibition 2023, International Art Education & Therapy Development Academic Association, Timepiece Lifestyle Art Gallery, Beijing, China
Solo exhibition program "Am-Em", Jiuzhi Youth Art Festival, Himalayan Art Museum, Shanghai, China
YES Beijing Art Festival special exhibition program, YES Beijing Art Festival, Beijing Friendship Store, Beijing, China
2022 :
"The Horizon", Exposition internationale de photographie Jimei-Arles, Jimei New City Civic Square Exhibition Hall, Xiamen, Chine
"Dark symbols" & "Shallow Sea", Contemporary 4th.Edition, Boomer Gallery, Londres, UK
The trees, Photography, 60x90cm
The trees, Photography, 60x90cm
8. Aziguli WUFUER
Aziguli Wufuer is a contemporary fiber artist, holder of a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in business administration, disseminator of Chinese equine culture, ICH heir, member of the Chinese Academy of Equine Culture and Art, deputy secretary-general of the Cultural Tourism Committee of the Chinese Equine Industry Association, executive of the cultural and creative unit of the Inner Mongolia Public Equestrian Association, visiting professor at the School of Art Design of the Professional College of the Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, and initiator and investigator in fiber art and fur collage.
In November 2017, she was invited to the Chinese Philanthropy Evening (a charity event) and honored as a Benevolent Artist.
In December 2017, her work "Salute" was acquired by the People's Liberation Navy (PLAN) aircraft carrier Liaoning.
In April 2018, her work "Return" began a national tour at the 2018 Shanghai Youth Art Fair.
In 2018, his work "Return from the Silk Road Travel", a 3D fur collage work (fiber art), was selected for the 10th Fiber Art Biennale "From Lausanne to Beijing", an event of the China National Art Fund (CNAF). In the same year, her works "Léopard dans la nuit" and "Voix lointaine" were exhibited at the 14th Paratissima Art Fair in Turin, Italy.
In July 2019, she was selected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) as one of five Chinese artists for an embassy cultural exchange program. In August, her work "Immobilité" won the silver prize at the 20th China Crafts and Artisans Fair.
In March 2022, his series of collages of fur and equestrian culture was selected as the China National Art Fund (CNAF) Art Project of the Year. In July, he won third prize in the China Brand Design Competition.
In November 2023, his work "Steel Pasture 1" was selected for the 6th International Fine Art and Handicraft Exhibition "Gainful Skills" for Young People. His work "Look Back" won a bronze award in the 2023 Flower Cup Competition.
In December 2023, the traces of "horse culture on fur painting" National Art Fund promotion of the national tour project exhibition officially started, to tell the public in different regions of the charming history of horse culture, to the public dissemination of national self-confidence integrated into the Xinjiang nation, was highly praised by experts, said that this exhibition is not only rich in cultural content "One Belt, One Road", promote the spirit of the nation, promote cultural self-confidence and protection of intangible cultural heritage of various regions. The exhibition was highly praised by experts, who said it not only enriched the cultural content of "One Belt, One Road", but was also of great importance in advancing the spirit of the nation, promoting cultural self-confidence and the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage in various locations.
In April 2024, she was invited to Paris, France, with her works "Long Zhang Feng Cai", "Obsidian changes" and "Whiteness in the east" to take part in the Louvre International Contemporary Art Exhibition, winning the silver prize in the "Painting and Creativity" category.
Long Zhang Feng Cai, Oil on fur and leather, 57x42cm
Obsidian changes, Oil on fur and leather, 60x45cm
Whiteness in the east, Oil on fur and leather, 45x60cm
9. Quan YU
Member of the Chinese Photographers Association and the Chinese Photography Copyright Association.
In 2014, I became interested in photography. I was deeply drawn to the moments captured by photography and the emotions it could convey. As I began reading various books, watching online tutorials and attending photography classes, I gradually acquired a basic knowledge of photography and continued to practice and improve my photography skills.
In 2018, I had the chance to meet Mr. Zhou Meisheng. He encouraged me to explore different themes and styles of photography to broaden my artistic vision. This included portrait, landscape, street, documentary, and commercial photography, among other areas. During these shoots, I discovered my interests and began to develop a unique personal style.
That same year, I also met another teacher in my photographic career, Mr. Duan Yueheng. Under his careful and patient guidance, I was exposed to many avant-garde works of art and contemporary concepts from all over the world. I also began experimenting with integrating elements of contemporary art into photography, exploring new forms of photographic expression.
Patience shapes the sword in ten years! In the future, I will continue to explore the infinite possibilities of photography, capturing and recording more beauty through my lens, and conveying heartfelt emotions.
Recent awards:
Personal interview in "China Photography News" on January 25, 2019
Selection and exhibition of the "Yellow Mountains" series at the Dali International Photography Event in August 2019
Exhibition of the "Chinese Landscapes" series at Paris Photo in November 2019
Exhibition of the "Yellow Mountains" series at the Zhejiang Museum of Art in October 2021
Exhibition of the "Forbidden City" series at the Musée du Louvre in Paris in April 2022
Exhibition of the "Forbidden City" series at the Maïdan Art Gallery in Rome in February 2023
Dream Land, Photography, 70x50cm
10. Wenyu ZHU
Born in China in 1990, she currently lives and works in Paris, France.
She holds a Master's degree from the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Dunkerque Nord-Pas-de-Calais, and went on to study at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, where she obtained a doctorate.
She is a member of La Maison des Artistes Français, vice-president of the Association Sino Française d'Échange d'Art (ASFEA), and holds a doctorate in Art History and Painting.
She actively participates in numerous exhibitions in renowned galleries and museums in China and France. Her works have been widely collected by the French Ministry of Education, as well as by museums, galleries and private collectors in France and China. His works are regularly exhibited at Galerie Francis Barlier in Paris.
Her artistic style is unique and diverse. His works fuse multiple elements to create stunning visual effects. His inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including natural landscapes and human history.
Wenyu ZHU's works depict an inner realism. They reflect the fragility and rigidity of human nature, expressing the various sensations and experiences she has had in her life, while highlighting the eternal gap between hope and despair.
She aims to awaken resonance in viewers through her artworks, inviting them to feel beauty and reflect deeply. She believes in art's unique ability to leave a deep imprint on viewers' minds.
For more information about her works and herself, please visit her official website: zhuwenyu-art.com.
Recent exhibitions:
March 2024: Solo exhibition "Ten years of Fang Yuan (square and circle)" at Galerie Francis Barlier in Paris.
February 2024: Exhibition at "ArtCapital" at the Grand Palais, Paris, France.
February 2023: Exhibition at "ArtCapital" at the Grand Palais, Paris, France.
December 2022 : Solo exhibition "Origines de la vie" at Galerie Francis Barlier, Paris.
January 2022: Solo exhibition at the 13th arrondissement town hall in Paris, on the theme "Origins of life".
June 2021: Participation in the Paris Nocturne Rive Droite exhibition at Galerie Francis Barlier.
May 2021: Participation in the "Monde poétique" exhibition at Galerie Etienne de Causans.
April 2021 : Exhibition at the international contemporary art fair "Art Shopping" at the Carrousel du Louvre.
February 2021 : Exhibition at "ArtCapital" at the Grand Palais, Paris France.
