Chen Jianfei [CHINA]

Chen Jianfei, born in Hui'an, Fujian Province in 1978, is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in calligraphy, photography, seal engraving, and handmade artist books. A graduate of Zhejiang University's Calligraphy program, he co-founded the 2023 Hangzhou International Photography & Handmade Book Biennale and currently resides in Hangzhou. His artistic practice uniquely bridges traditional mediums with contemporary narratives, exemplified by his 2024 solo exhibition Sunshine Box at HART GALLERY, which showcased 365 Polaroid works capturing intimate family moments, West Lake landscapes, and poetic meditations over three years. These images, often annotated with handwritten texts and poetry, reflect his belief that "Polaroid relies on light, and so do I". Chen’s experimental approach extends to collaborative projects like the "Day with Joy" tea scoop design, where he reinterpreted ancient Han Dynasty inscriptions through calligraphy and silver-rimmed celadon craftsmanship. As an educator, he has led workshops at institutions including Zhejiang University of Media and the China Academy of Art, guiding participants to explore the fusion of photography and handmade book design. His 2017 handmade book Buddha Hidden integrates seal engravings with photographs of weathered Buddhist statues around West Lake, narrating a dialogue between cultural heritage and modern reinterpretation. Recent accolades include participation in the 2024 Photofair Shanghai Imaging Expo and the Contemporary Art Invitational Exhibition: Embracing Introspection in Hangzhou.