Spring Herald (2003-2007)

In 2007, Zhu Wei continues his Spring Herald series, begun in 2003. Here the artist uses portraiture to depict the anticipation of Spring. It is obvious that Zhu Wei deliberately expresses the psychology of people of different ages and backgrounds in this whole series. What is especially astonishing is the treatment of the eyes, which gives a vivid presence to the portrait. At the bottom left corner is a tiny peach blossom that refers to Song Genre painting. The artist has found the chemistry between the contemporary treatment of portraiture and the convention of Chinese ink, which enriches this piece with a delight from ink work and a modern context, opening a dream of Spring to the viewer. Having retreated from the political environment for a long time, the artist’s personal nature has become the predominant soul behind his works. His recent works disclose his perspective towards the social changes adopted by the populace. For years, Zhu has been persistent and rational when studying Chinese classical art. He constantly evaluates culture and daringly attempts to innovate. In order to depict contemporary Chinese life, he employs innocent and devoted human figures with Chinese ink. He also combines his comprehensive knowledge of ancient masters with his wit, humor, elaborate vivid colours, so as to document everyday stories with a sober artistic language.

《报春图》（2003-2007年）

2007年，朱伟继续延续2003以来的《报春图》系列创作，艺术家以肖像构图描绘了对于春天即将来临的体验。显然在这一系列作品中，朱伟着意表现不同年龄层次，不同身份经历的人物形象的内心世界。朱伟对人物点睛之笔——眼睛的处理，更成为这些作品的传神所在。艺术家在现代意象的人物与传统水墨趣味之间找到了碰撞点，使得作品兼具水墨趣味与当代叙事的特质，为我们提供了春天主题的遐想，其视觉的幽默感和形象背后的象征意义值得观众反复玩味和体验。同时，在创作这些作品时，艺术家本人已远离政治环境多年，艺术家的个人气质成为主导其作品的灵魂，近年来的作品中，朱伟越来越多的以平民视角表达对社会变化的体认，用中国传统的水墨媒材表达当代中国人的生活，人物形象纯真而虔诚。艺术家领悟了古代艺术大师的境界，同时结合个人的睿智和幽默，使用夸张愉悦的色彩，沉炼成一种朴实的语言向大众来叙述我们身边发生的故事。