On April 26, 2025, Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) launched this year's latest blockbuster exhibition, CHEN YIFEI: A RETROSPECTIVE ON ART AND LEGACY. Commemorating the 80th anniversary of Chen Yifei's birth, this retrospective stands as the most comprehensive showcase of his career to date, offering a panoramic view of his artistic evolution across different phases and highlighting his groundbreaking achievements in diverse fields. The exhibition will run until October 12, 2025, and is poised to become a landmark event in Shanghai's cultural calendar.

Four Thematic Sections: Unlocking Chen Yifei's Multidimensional Artistic Journey

Chen Yifei (1946–2005) was a trailblazing figure in contemporary Chinese art, a torchbearer and visionary of Shanghai's cultural legacy, a champion of "Total Art" and immersive visual culture, a guardian and innovator of Red Culture, a devoted contributor to urban cultural development, and a cultural envoy between China and the world. 

The exhibition is divided into four sections: Earlier Years, A Leap of the Soul, Shanghai Zeitgeist, and The Era of Grand Vision. Featuring over 150 works spanning paintings, sculptures, films, publications, and manuscripts, the retrospective includes 80 representative oil paintings from Chen's key series. It showcases his multidisciplinary practice under the concept of "Grand Vision, Total Art," illustrating how he propelled the integration and advancement of painting, film, fashion design, publishing, and public art amid sweeping societal changes. As the exhibition's title suggests, Chen Yifei embodied the zeitgeist of his era.

Highlighted works include: early masterpieces such as The Pioneers, Ode to the Yellow River, Seizing of the Presidential Palace, and Thinking of History at My Space. The Water Town series, including Zhou Zhuang and Sunset Suzhou, initiated during his time in the United States; iconic works from the Musicians series, such as The Flutist and Woman and Guitar; Shanghai-style the Noble Ladies series paintings like The Banquet, Lingering Melodies from the Xunyang River, and Beauties on Promenade; the Reveries on Old Shanghai series, epitomized by Warm Spring in the Jade Pavillion, which extended Chen's painting aesthetics into cinematic practice; the Tibetans series, including Wind of Mountain Village and The Green Grassland, which broke from his Romantic Realist tradition.

A special installation in the Museum's 3F Glass Hall features Chen's sole sculpture, Oriental Beauty. Within the exhibition hall, condensed versions of four films directed by Chen will be on view, such as Evening Liaison and Music Box. Archival materials interspersed throughout the four sections further enrich the exhibition, offering visitors an immersive journey into Chen Yifei's visionary world.

From the grand narratives of Realism to the profound fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, from the glamourous depiction of Shanghai's cultural heritage to the interdisciplinary innovations in Visual Arts, the exhibition demonstrates how Chen Yifei's lifelong explorations reshaped the landscape of China's visual culture.

Earlier Years: Romantic Epics of Heroism

The first section, Earlier Years, focuses on Chen Yifei's early works and foundational masterpieces. Visitors will experience his Romantic Heroism, pursuit of the sublime, and profound reflections in Thinking of History at My Space.

Chen's paintings are deeply imprinted with the spirit of his time. Born in Shanghai, he enrolled at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts at 15, receiving rigorous training in the style of Realism. During his studies, Chen excelled through diligence. After graduating in 1965, he became a professional painter at the Shanghai Oil Painting and Sculpture Studio and was appointed head of the oil painting division in 1970. Throughout the 1970s, he created a series of monumental works that captured heroic figures amidst the tides of history.

The Pioneers depicts the indomitable spirit of builders in the new era, radiating grandeur and vitality; Ode to the Yellow River, a painting that echoes the symphony that embodies the national spirit, became an instant sensation when first exhibited at the 1977 National Military Art Exhibition, and is hailed as the pinnacle of Chen's historical-themed creations; Seizing of the Presidential Palace, with its monumental composition, immortalized a pivotal historical moment. Recognized as one of the finest thematic artworks since the founding of the People's Republic of China, it solidified Chen's legacy in Chinese art history. For this exhibition, the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution has exclusively provided a copy of Seizing of the Presidential Palace—marking the first time in history this iconic work has been "loaned" in such a unique format. As the sole reproduction piece in the exhibition, it carries extraordinary significance. These Red Culture-themed masterpieces exemplify Chen Yifei's distinctive artistic style, blending grand narratives with romanticist sensibilities. Through innovative explorations of the national spirit and the expression of the zeitgeist, they have not only reinvigorated China's Red Culture development but also become vital visual memories for younger generations to reconnect with the revolutionary history.

In 1979, Chen completed Thinking of History at My Space. With an epic-scale canvas, the work reconstructs key moments in the history of modern China. By creatively folding the linear chronological time, Chen achieved breakthroughs in both technique and thought. This painting marks the artist's personal transcendence and a philosophical leap in his historical perspective. It not only garnered widespread international recognition for the artist, but has also since become a landmark in Chinese art of a new age, symbolizing its emergence on the global stage.

A Leap of the Soul: A Visual Symphony of East-West Dialogue

In 1980, Chen traveled to the United States for further studies. Enrolling at Hunter College in New York for his Master of Fine Arts degree, he immersed himself in Western masterpieces through museum visits and part-time work. During the 1980s, his Water Town and Musicians series garnered global recognition, establishing him as a "bridge between cultures" and one of the earliest Chinese artists to achieve international influence post reform and opening-up.

The Water Town series originated from Chen's visit to Zhou Zhuang, a Jiangnan water town. With the freedom to choose his own subjects, he gravitated toward themes imbued with his childhood memories. The water towns of Jiangnan, the stone bridges of his childhood, and the rain-soaked, tile-roofed houses became the wellspring of his artistic expression. In 1983, his series of water town paintings was exhibited at the Hammer Gallery in the United States, earning significant acclaim. This work, distinguished by its distinctly Eastern aesthetic, established him as the first contemporary Chinese artist to gain substantial recognition and collector interest in the Western art market.

This section features over a dozen iconic works from Chen Yifei's celebrated Water Town series, including Sunset Suzhou and Zhou Zhuang. These paintings embody the poetic spirit and atmospheric elegance of traditional Chinese aesthetics, while seamlessly integrating the refined techniques of Western oil painting. Widely acclaimed by critics and audiences around the globe, they stand as outstanding examples of cross-cultural dialogue. Water town became a recurring theme throughout Chen's artistic career, reflecting his enduring affection for Jiangnan culture and its timeless beauty.

The Musicians series marks a shift in Chen Yifei's artistic focus—from grand historical narratives to a profound exploration of the individual psyche. In works such as The Flutist, vast expanses of dark tones serve as a minimalist backdrop, allowing the figure's noble elegance and quiet depth to emerge with striking clarity. Drawing inspiration from photography, Chen radically redefined his treatment of contours and facial structures. His nuanced command of light and shadow not only echoes classical traditions but also aligns with the aesthetics of contemporary Photorealism, creating a refined visual language.

Shanghai Zeitgeist: Urban Dreams and Cultural Roots

In the 1990s, Chen Yifei returned to Shanghai at the height of China's reform and opening-up, embracing a rapidly transforming cultural landscape. This section highlights his iconic Noble Ladies and Tibetans series, along with the evolution of his Water Town paintings following his return. During this era, Chen not only made significant breakthroughs in technique, subject matter, and medium, but also established himself as a pioneer in China's emerging art market. The Shanghai Zeitgeist he envisioned and depicted epitomized a vibrant creative resurgence that emerged as he reengaged with the era.

In the Noble Ladies series, Chen reinterprets the grace and refinement of Shanghai's cultural memory through a lens of lyrical nostalgia. The 1991 masterpiece The Banquet, with its elegant composition and musical motif, draws visual resonance from Gu Hongzhong's ancient scroll painting Night Revels of Han Xizai, demonstrating Chen's knowledge of traditional art. That same year, his painting Lingering Melodies from the Xunyang River fetched over one million CNY at auction—setting a historic record for Chinese oil painting and marking the first time a contemporary Chinese work entered the international auction market.

Influenced by his cinematic practice, Chen Yifei's artistic language during this period evolved toward a more narrative and poetic sensibility. Created in 1993, just two years apart, Warm Spring in the Jade Pavilion is a cinematic portrayal of 1930s Shanghai. Standing as a pinnacle work in Chen Yifei's oeuvre during this period, this painting reached both technical and aesthetic perfection. Notably, the 2023 hit TV series Blossoms Shanghai, directed by Wong Kar-wai, reignited public interest in Chen's work. Set in 1990s Shanghai—the heyday of Chen's Shanghai era—the drama prominently features Warm Spring in the Jade Pavilion and The Beauty and the Birdcage as set pieces. Through this exhibition, audiences are offered a rare opportunity to encounter these original paintings firsthand.

Chen Yifei's artistic achievement represents one of the highest expressions of contemporary Chinese art. By inheriting and advancing the innovative spirit of Shanghai-style culture, he catalyzed its integration across disciplines and generations. His work not only embodies the unique charm of Shanghai-style culture but also serves as a landmark of its living, evolving presence in the contemporary cultural landscape.

Just as Chen Yifei brought his refined, romantic style to its zenith, he embarked on a bold artistic reinvention. In the 1990s, drawn to the vast landscapes and spiritual depth of Tibet, he made multiple journeys into the region, immersing himself in its culture and local communities. The resulting Tibetans series—featuring works such as Wind of Mountain Village, Tibetan Family, and The Green Grassland—marked a striking departure from his earlier style. In these works, Chen deliberately resisted the allure of delicate and polished brushwork, instead striving for raw, visual experiences reflected in their spiritual beliefs. His concurrent experience in filmmaking also influenced these paintings, as he experimented with theatrical tension by distorting visual elements to heighten dramatic effect.

The Era of Grand Vision: A Pioneer's Boundless Creativity

"I am a practitioner of visual arts," Chen Yifei defined himself.

Beyond painting, Chen Yifei was the first to introduce and advocate the concept of "Total Art" in contemporary China, making great accomplishments in Visual Arts. He actively explored and experimented in many other fields such as film and television, fashion, and environmental design, promoting the integration of art with multiple disciplines. In the 1990s, he founded his own brand Layefe, bringing the idea of couture into China; he launched Vision magazine, which shaped a new era in Chinese visual culture and cultivated a cohort of young creative talents; he directed four films including Reveries on Old Shanghai, Evening Liaison (shortlisted at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival), Escape to Shanghai and Music Box; he was deeply involved in the making of Shanghai's history—participating in the commissioning of several epoch-making urban art projects along with many public installations and sculptures for the renewal of Shanghai's cityscape and the development of Pudong. From planning the Taikang Road art district to the early-stage proposal for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Chen propelled the social integration of Visual Arts with visionary foresight. Chen's legacy epitomizes Shanghai's spirit—open, inclusive, and relentlessly innovative. He played a vital role in the writing of cultural narratives of the era.

This section presents a constellation of videos, archival materials, and multimedia installations that illuminate Chen Yifei's expansive artistic practice in the years surrounding the new millennium—and the profound legacy he left for future generations.

Preserving the Zeitgeist: Chen Yifei's Enduring Relevance

Chen Yifei's life was a legend of continual breakthroughs. In every stage of his career, he remained a true pioneer—constantly innovating, courageously pushing boundaries, and scaling new heights in art. His forward-thinking artistic practice continues to offer profound inspiration for the development of China's cultural and creative industries today.

This exhibition is not merely a historical reflection but a beacon for the future. Chen's unwavering spirit of innovation deeply resonates with a new generation that embraces pluralism, creativity, and cultural confidence. His art captured the pulse of his era; his actions helped shape the soul of his city. For young people seeking to find and express their own voices in a rapidly changing world, Chen has provided a powerful and enduring answer through his life's work. This exhibition invites visitors to draw inspiration from his legacy and carry forward the spirit represented by his era.

Public Programs for Chen Yifei: A Retrospective on Art and Legacy

From April 25 to 26, MAP hosts the opening forum and academic symposium for CHEN YIFEI: A RETROSPECTIVE ON ART AND LEGACY, bringing together leading voices from China's art and academic communities. The forum centers on Chen Yifei's artistic achievements and historical significance, offering a panoramic view of his creative legacy. The Keynote Forum, moderated by Feng Yuan, featured powerful speeches from Hu Wei, Fan Di'an, Xu Jiang, and Chen Xiejun. In the Roundtable Forum, hosted by Cao Kefan, Chen Tian, Wu Siyuan, Zeng Chenggang, Shang Hui, Jiang Mei, and Li Lei engaged in dynamic conversations around the exhibition's curatorial vision and cultural impact. On April 26, the Academic Symposium delves into seven thematic perspectives—Chen Yifei's zeitgeist, artistic journey, contributions to painting, cultural symbolism, cinematic aesthetics, Total Art and urban imagination, and international cultural dialogue—laying the foundation for a more systematic and forward-thinking discourse on his legacy. This dual emphasis on scholarly depth and public engagement underscores the exhibition's ambition to bridge research and relevance.

Throughout the exhibition, MAP will roll out a series of interactive cultural programs that balance academic insight with public participation. The "Multifaceted Yi Fei" Family Workshops invite younger audiences to discover Chen's artistic versatility through hands-on sessions in sketching, stop-motion animation, costume collage, and sculpture. Participants will embark on a phased "Art Adventure Quest" to unlock the dimensions of his cross-disciplinary creativity.

Highlighting the artist's ongoing relevance in education, Chen Yifei's monumental painting Ode to the Yellow River is now featured in the latest edition of the People's Education Press (Grade 7, Volume 2) Chinese language textbook. In response, MAP will launch a range of patriotic education initiatives, including art gallery classes, recitation concerts, and specially designed Yellow River task cards to enrich students' engagement with art and national identity.

In addition, the exhibition will offer special collaborations, curated themed afternoon teas, and limited-edition co-branded bouquets, crafting a multidimensional viewing experience that brings together art, lifestyle, and aesthetic immersion for all visitors.

2025 Exhibition Program at Museum of Art Pudong

As a new cultural landmark in Shanghai, Museum of Art Pudong remains committed to fostering global artistic dialogue and delivering high-quality exhibitions and cultural experiences to the public. Currently, the Museum is hosting several exhibitions, including: Dialogues with Turner: Evoking the Sublime (on view through May 10, 2025), El Anatsui: After the Red Moon (on view through October 7, 2025), If You Know, You Know. Loro Piana's Quest for Excellence (on view through May 5, 2025). Beginning June 19, 2025, Museum of Art Pudong will exclusively present over 100 masterpieces from the collection of the Musée d'Orsay in France. This unprecedented exhibition will feature iconic works by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Jean-François Millet, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Auguste Rodin, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Gustave Courbet, and other luminaries, offering visitors an extraordinary journey through Impressionism and Modern Art.

By continuously introducing world-class exhibitions and cross-disciplinary collaborations, Museum of Art Pudong is rapidly emerging as a global hub for artistic exchange, further solidifying Shanghai's prominence on the world cultural stage. In 2025, the Museum will continue to deliver high-caliber exhibitions and enriched public programs, providing invigorating cultural experiences to audiences.

About MAP

Located at the heart of Xiao Lujiazui, Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) broke ground on September 26, 2017 and opened to the public in July, 2021.

Invested, built, and managed by the Lujiazui Group and designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel (AJN), MAP is primarily set out to present world-class exhibitions to its audience as well as showcasing domestic artists. The four major functions of MAP include: to hold exhibitions, to promote art education, to develop cultural merchandises, and to advocate for international exchange. MAP aims to become a new cultural landmark of Shanghai and an important platform for international cultural exchange.