Jiang Guo Fang was born in 1951 in Shangjiang Village, Jiangxi province. In 1968, during the Cultural Revolution, he joined the army when his parents were sent to labor camps. His family was later reunited and between 1969-1972 Jiang Guo Fang began to train himself as an artist. 
In 1973, after the re-opening of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, he was selected as one of only eight students to enter the Oil Painting Department. When he graduated with honors in 1978, he was appointed to the faculty of the Central Academy. In 1979, he went on to teach at the Central Institute of Drama. Jiang Guo Fang’s works have been exhibited internationally in several solo shows from Hong Kong to Rome, as well as in numerous group shows. He was the first contemporary artist to have a one-man show presented at the Forbidden City, Beijing in 2004.
Palace Door, 1991
Oil on Canvas
60" x 43" (152cm x 109cm)About this work
Speaking about one of his most well-known paintings “Palace Door” from his Forbidden City series, Jiang Guo Fang has said, “The path that leads to the entrance of the Qianqinggong Palace always suggests the idea of destiny. As one walks through this doorway, one can imagine the struggles of power and love in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as history and its outcome. In this painting, I depict a child emperor standing in front of a row of heavy Palace doors. The child hesitates to enter these doors, for what lies ahead of him is the burden of history, infinite uncertainty, and the destiny of the ruling class that has been passed on to him. The Palace has the depth and mystery of the ocean.
The Future Emperor, 1999
Oil on Canvas
49" x 49" (124 1/2cm x 124 1/2cm)About this work
Jiang Guo Fang has spent the better part of his career painting subjects from the Qing Dynasty and the Forbidden City and has developed a following among private collectors as well as museums who appreciate his historical interpretations of past dynasties. His work is influenced by his interest in western artistic styles and his desire to create art that reflects the grandeur and importance of a particular period in Chinese history. His paintings display the exquisite details of the imperial palaces, but at the same time, they reveal the private moments and emotions of the human inhabitants.
Deng Xiaoping, 2006
Oil on Canvas
70" x 62" (178cm x 157.5cm)About this work
Jiang Guo Fang, commenting about his powerful portrait of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping says, “The body of Deng Xiaoping almost occupies the whole canvas. The structure of the figure seems quite constrained and gives the viewer a strong sense that the subject is very firm and unshakable. This represents that Deng Xiaoping was fighting for a path for China’s future and for the happiness of the Chinese people. Standing in front of this portrait of Deng Xiaoping, I feel touched by the message it conveys. My soul has gratitude. Deng Xiaoping let ordinary Chinese people live a good life and he will be remembered by the Chinese people forever.”
