Yue Minjun Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China, 1962

Having studied at the Fine Arts Department of Hebei University in China, Yue Minjun's artistic career took off when he gathered attention for his participation in the 48th Venice Biennale. Since then, he has continued to exhibit his art on a global scale, showcasing his work in renowned museum exhibitions and prestigious events like the Gwangju Biennale and Shanghai Biennale (2004).

Yue Minjun's diverse body of work encompasses paintings, sculptures, and installations, all consistently centered around the theme of laughing self-portraits. These self-depictions feature vibrant and acidic pink tones that make them visually striking. By drawing inspiration from both celebrated European masterpieces and iconic Chinese art, the artist challenges the grandeur of art history by infusing his creations with elements of pop aesthetics.

Combining the expressive exaggeration of cartoons with the stylistic precision of graphic illustrations, Yue Minjun portrays his clones in distorted and grotesque forms. These figures, simultaneously acting as antagonists and anti-heroes, evoke a sense of intimidation while also becoming objects of ridicule. Through the depiction of laughter, which carries connotations of both violence and vulnerability, Yue Minjun's artworks explore the spirit of contemporary anxiety while preserving the essence of Eastern tradition.