Yuan-Yuan ZHANG

The Tokyo-based artist Zhang Yuanyuan (b. 1984, Hubei, China) holds a master’s degree in art education from Yokohama National University (Akagi Classical Painting Techniques Lab) and another Master’s from Tokyo University of the Arts (Oil Painting Techniques and Materials Lab). During her studies, she was awarded scholarships and received the Japan Subway Cultural Foundation Award at the 2019 Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Exhibition. That same year, she won the Ueno Royal Museum’s “Grand Prize,” personally presented by Prince Hitachi.

Zhang Yuanyuan's paintings strive for fun and joy, aiming to convey and create a positive and optimistic perception and atmosphere. Her artwork cannot be simply classified as either oil painting or mineral pigment painting. Instead, she employs a technique developed by Professor Akamatsu, who modified the painting methods of ancient Rome and Egypt by using heated and melted beeswax combined with mineral pigments and other materials on linen. Beeswax, as a painting material, has high stability and is less prone to discoloration and oxidation compared to other traditional materials. When painting with melted beeswax on linen, the substance penetrates the linen fibers, creating a visual effect similar to the unique thinness and translucency of Chinese ink paintings. Complemented with mineral pigments and gold leaf as finishing touches, the result is a rich, layered effect with bright colors, providing a fresh and eye-catching visual experience.