Refrain / 复沓

White Cube presents the first exhibition in the UK by Beijing-based artist Shao Fan (also known as Yu Han, b. 1964), opening on 22 May at Mason’s Yard.

Deeply engaged with traditional Chinese culture, Shao Fan’s practice mixes past with present. His ethereal works span paintings, sculptures and installations and explore the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.

Shao Fan’s deep understanding of his cultural heritage was shaped by his upbringing in Beijing. Both his parents were renowned artists and professors at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and he learnt to paint at an early age. The exhibition presents the artist’s meticulously rendered ink-on-rice-paper paintings, which feature elements of the natural world, including animals, vegetables and fruits. All of these allude to historical Chinese customs and beliefs, whilst also drawing on elements of Western art history.