Born in Zhongshan, China in 1969, Zhong Chen's artistic spark ignited through traditional Chinese calligraphy lessons in the early eighties. Inspired by a trip to an international exhibition of contemporary Chinese calligraphy, he embarked on a quest to pursue art.
Despite initial plans to move to America being diverted, Chen found himself in Australia in 1989, where he delved into art education and eventually earned his Honours degree, propelling him to the Chelsea School of Art in London.
Chen's artistic repertoire encompasses various styles, from traditional European genres to pixelated compositions reflecting Chinese culture. His influences draw from cultural histories spanning China, Australia, Germany, the USA, and the UK, echoing the styles of renowned artists like Basquiat, Warhol, Peyton, and Turk.
While Chen's work explores diverse themes, his early embrace of ink brush painting remains evident. Playful and gestural, his pieces often feature bold black outlines against softer watercolour tones, evoking a cartoonish charm.
Additionally, Chen intertwines elements of popular Chinese culture, such as Kung Fu, into his compositions, blending contemporary and traditional influences.
Humour is a recurring theme in Chen's art, evident in his self-portraits and depictions of animals from the Chinese horoscope. His work reflects his negotiation of Chinese Australian identity, exploring themes of belonging and social acceptance within his community.
Since graduating, Chen has continued to exhibit internationally, showcasing his talent in solo and group shows. His work has been widely collected, with pieces featured in prominent institutional collections across Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and China.