Yu Nancheng, born in 1956 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, has made significant contributions to the art world over his 40+ year career. Currently based in Shanghai, his works have been exhibited extensively across China and internationally, with collections in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Japan, and various Middle Eastern countries. Yu's innovative use of palette knife application to create layered textures has transformed Chinese oil painting, blending traditional Chinese and Western techniques to define his distinctive style.
Videos 
Videos
Art Introduction - 'Tai Chi Brush Knee and Twist Step' by Yu Nancheng
Yu Nancheng (Part 3)
Yu Nancheng (Part 2)
Yu Nancheng (Part 1)
Publications
Publications
China Red, 2014
Biography
Biography
Born in 1956 in Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, Yu Nancheng has spent over 40 years shaping the art scene, currently residing in Shanghai. His works have been exhibited widely across China and are held in prestigious collections globally, including the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, France, England, Japan, and various Middle Eastern countries. Yu's innovative palette knife technique has revolutionized Chinese oil painting, merging traditional Chinese elements with Western methods to create a distinctive style characterized by depth and texture.
While oil painting is rooted in Western tradition, Yu's use of the palette knife contrasts beautifully with the classical Chinese themes in his art, enhancing the perception of depth on canvas. This is especially evident in his striking ‘Tai Chi’ series, inspired by the sight of thousands practicing in Tiananmen Square, where his sense of national pride shines through in his predominant use of red. This color serves as a symbolic tribute to his country and reflects the spirituality inherent in Tai Chi's movements, embodying the balance of yin and yang.
Yu’s artistic vision centers on aesthetics, blending skill with poetic detail to create works that are both visually stunning and thematically rich. His ability to juxtapose cultural techniques—melding the traditional with the contemporary—enriches his art, drawing viewers in to appreciate the intricate details while engaging with the broader narrative. With a mastery of visual language and cultural symbolism, Yu Nancheng’s art leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
While oil painting is rooted in Western tradition, Yu's use of the palette knife contrasts beautifully with the classical Chinese themes in his art, enhancing the perception of depth on canvas. This is especially evident in his striking ‘Tai Chi’ series, inspired by the sight of thousands practicing in Tiananmen Square, where his sense of national pride shines through in his predominant use of red. This color serves as a symbolic tribute to his country and reflects the spirituality inherent in Tai Chi's movements, embodying the balance of yin and yang.
Yu’s artistic vision centers on aesthetics, blending skill with poetic detail to create works that are both visually stunning and thematically rich. His ability to juxtapose cultural techniques—melding the traditional with the contemporary—enriches his art, drawing viewers in to appreciate the intricate details while engaging with the broader narrative. With a mastery of visual language and cultural symbolism, Yu Nancheng’s art leaves a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Selected Exhibitions
2021
China is coming, Ode to Art Contemporary, Singapore
2016
Singapore Contemporary Art Show, Singapore
2015
Shanghai Art Fair, Shanghai
Asia Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong
Four Masters of China, Fabrik Gallery, Hong Kong
2014
China Red, Solo Exhibition, Ode to Art, Singapore
2012
Tai Chi Series, Wellington Gallery, Hong Kong
2011
M50 Creative Park, Shanghai, China
2010
Tai Chi Series, Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai, China
2009
Tai Chi Series, Li Kai Lin Gallery, Manchester, UK
2007
Rhythm of Life, Moganshan Road, Shanghai, China
1979
Changzhou Youth Club, Changzhou, China
2021
China is coming, Ode to Art Contemporary, Singapore
2016
Singapore Contemporary Art Show, Singapore
2015
Shanghai Art Fair, Shanghai
Asia Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong
Four Masters of China, Fabrik Gallery, Hong Kong
2014
China Red, Solo Exhibition, Ode to Art, Singapore
2012
Tai Chi Series, Wellington Gallery, Hong Kong
2011
M50 Creative Park, Shanghai, China
2010
Tai Chi Series, Shangri-La Hotel, Shanghai, China
2009
Tai Chi Series, Li Kai Lin Gallery, Manchester, UK
2007
Rhythm of Life, Moganshan Road, Shanghai, China
1979
Changzhou Youth Club, Changzhou, China
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