Born in Zhongshan, China in 1969 and arrived in Australia in 1989.
1998 Masters of Fine Arts, Chelsea School of Art
1996 Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours), University of SA
1994 Diploma of Visual Arts, North Adelaide School of Art

Since Zhong Chen's last exhibition in 2006, both change and continuity are evident in Chen’s paintings – whilst his brushwork has evolved to bold, expressive movements (a progression from his popular pixelated images), his work continues to explore historical and contemporary cultural identity as well as Chen’s own transcultural psyche and feelings of belonging.

The gestural way in which Chen paints is also a reflection of his own life journey, being an amalgam of traditional Chinese folk art, wood block prints and ink brush painting (which Chen studied as a young man in China) and complemented by the minimal colours and composition that follow a rather Western structure.

Zhong Chen’s current works can be divided into two distinct groups, one echoing ancient Chinese iconography and traditional Chinese illustration and the other being more vivid, stylized and cartoon-like.

Drawn in thick black lines like those created by a calligraphy brush, the line drawings in 32 Strokes of Kung Fu are disparate to his soft portraits, stepping away from realism. Set against blocks of brilliant colour, the figures in these works brandish swords, wear elaborate headresses, ride bizarre animals and cast furtive side-ways glances.

Zhong Chen left Zhongshan, China, in 1989 and arrived in Australia at the age of 19 to explore his love of painting. The works in this show reflect the trans-cultural identity of being a Chinese Australian artist and having that fluid identity. Paintings like Boy On A Dragon (top left) reflect Zhong’s cultural journey, whilst also relating to one of the 12 symbols of the Chinese zodiac – 2012 being the Year of the Water Dragon. Kung Fu was an important part of growing up for Zhong. He practiced this martial art and was influenced by cultural icons on TV like Bruce Lee whilst being immersed in the world of Kung Fu movies, most of which were made in Hong Kong. It was part of life as a boy growing up in a country that had gone through so much. The paintings depict a journey; an exploration of all the elements involved in seeking a new life in another country, whilst maintaining links to Zhong’s Chinese heritage.

Zhong Chen has exhibited throughout Australia and his works are held in numerous important private and corporate collections in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Australia. He has been a finalist in The Archibald (2007, 2008, 2011), Wynne Prize (2006, 2007, 2008) and Sulman Prizes (2008), and has been the recipient of many accolades over the past 17 years.

Art Gallery of South Australia
Gold Coast City Art Gallery
Western Mining, Australia
Artbank, Sydney
F.H.Faulding and Co. Adelaide
Macquarie University
BHP
SBS, Melbourne
Private Collections in Japan, China, Hong Kong and Australia

2005
‘Paintings by Zhong Chen’, Greenhill Galleries, Review by Judith McGrath
Makin, Jeff, ‘Squaring up old Shanghai’, The Herald Sun, Melbourne
‘Marriage of old and new experiences’, The Whitehorse Leader, Melbourne
Smith, Nyanda, ‘Zhong Chen’ Greenhill Galleries, Perth

2004
‘Shanghai Summer' Exhibition Catalogue, Schubert Contemporary, Gold Coast
Maier, Heidi, ‘Homeland Inspiration’, The Courier Mail, Queensland
‘Not all as it seems’, The Gold Coast Weekender, Queensland
Xin Nian Contemporary Chinese Australian Art Catalogue and CD.

2003
'The Pixel Paintings' Eva Breuer Gallery Catalogue
The top 50 collectable artists, The Art Collector Magazine
'In the Frame' The Sun Herald, Sydney
Li Zhi, 'The Pixel Myth', The Australian Art Review Magazine, November - February 2003

2002
SBS art award catalogue

2001
200 Gertrude Street Catalogue

2000
Nelson, Robert, ‘Fairs and Prizes enhance art’s allure, The Age, October

2000
‘The Right Chemistry’, The Adelaide Review, September

2000
Chemistry : South Australian Art

1990 – 2000
The Faulding Exhibition Catalogue

2000
Cultural Identity at heart of SA Award winner’s paintings, State of the Arts Magazine

1999
‘The Samstag Accelerator Effect’ Artlink Magazine of Contemporary Arts Vol 18 # 4

1999
Lloyd, Tim, ‘A man of talent finds his art and a home in his past’, The Advertiser – Adelaide

1999
Radok, Stephanie, ‘My hyphenated identity’, The Adelaide Review, Adelaide

1999
‘Chen’s new Art mesmerises’, The Advertiser, Adelaide

1998
The Chelsea School of Art Masters Exhibition Catalogue, London