Zhipeng Wang

Bio

Zhipeng Wang is a Chinese contemporary jewellery artist currently residing in Munich, Germany. Zhipeng's artistic practice draws inspiration from a rich Chinese material cultural heritage and his own cross-cultural experiences, focusing on the creation of contemporary art jewellery and hollowware. He incorporates various materials deeply rooted in Chinese culture, including elements like Chinese tea and rice.
 
After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Metal and Jewelry Art from the China Academy of Art in 2019, Zhipeng began his cross-cultural artistic journey. Seeking further artistic growth and exploration, he enrolled in the renowned Jewelry Class at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts in 2020, under the guidance of Professor Karen Pontoppidan, to pursue his postgraduate studies. He successfully completed his Diplom in 2024.

Zhipeng's jewellery and hollowware creations have been selected to participate in international group exhibitions and competitions held in China, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Romania, and the United States. These include prestigious events such as Schmuck 2024, BKV Prize 2024, Preziosa Young Design Competition 2021, and the 30th International Jewellery Competition "Touch," among others. Additionally, his works are permanently housed in private and public institutions, including the China Academy of Art Museum, the Legnica Art Gallery in Poland, and the Le Arti Orafe Jewellery School in Italy.

Statement

Drawing inspiration from his rich cultural heritage and cross-cultural experiences, Zhipeng's practice-led research revolves around the creation of contemporary art jewellery and object, employing a diverse range of materials that are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, including elements such as Chinese tea and rice. Through his artistic practice, he created captivating pieces that evoke cultural narratives while pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Identity Ring
As a Chinese live in Europe, the profound impact of diverse cultures on my daily life becomes particularly significant. Tea, symbolizing oriental characteristics, and coffee, representing Western traits, stand as quintessential beverages. Despite their distinct origins, striking similarities emerge. The historical roots between tea and coffee are imbued with mythological allure and adorned with enigmatic cultural imagery. Initially confined to European aristocracy, coffee gradually permeated wider circles, while tea, once exclusively accessible to the emperor’s family in ancient China, now finds its place in the daily lives of Europeans.

Inspired by the great fusion of global cultures, I used tea and coffee instead of gold and gem to innovate the material used of the ancient signet ring, which traditionally symbolizes status. The fusion of tea and coffee gave birth to a ring that metaphor Chinese living in Germany, who had to undergo a transformation of their cultural identity to adapt to Western society. During this creative process, the act of carving seemed to continually shape my cultural identity, with each carving stroke reflecting my personal growth and processes of cultural fusion.

Tea Brick
For more than 1500 years, Chinese tea has woven a tapestry of foreign trade heritage. It has transformed into a key commodity, nurturing communication and trade between China and the global community. Tea not only shapes economic ties but also weaves a fabric of cultural influence and diplomatic connections. The profound impact of Chinese tea, intertwined with philosophical musings and cultural connotations, elevates it to a symbol of China's rich cultural identity.

Like many contemporary youths, whenever I travel to different countries, I use travel apps to document my journey. These routes outline and narrate my experiences and memories in Europe, ultimately manifested in the form of brooches. Each tea brick symbolizes a chapter of my life during the European journey, laying the foundation for my personal cross-cultural adventure path.

CV