Valiant Struggle No. 1
- Wenling Chen, Chinese, 1969-
- Born: Fujian Province, China
- Work Locations: Xiamen, China
© Wenling Chen
Chen Wenling uses traditional Chinese symbols, often pigs, in a surreal, ironic style to examine notions of contemporary materialism and its influence on Chinese culture. “Valiant Struggle No. 1” features a man riding on the back of a huge pig in a pose that imitates David’s “Napoleon Crossing the Alps.” This work comments on the inevitable expansion of consumerism culture. Living a happy life is not enough. The figure wields a kitchen knife in a heroic attempt to conquer and spread his own lifestyle.
Chen Wenling was born in 1969 in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China. He received his BA in sculpture at the Xiamen Academy of Art and Design, and he earned his MFA from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing. He currently lives and works in Beijing.
Some images in our online collection are at thumbnail size, in accordance with AAMD guidelines, because they are protected by copyright. The Denver Art Museum respects the rights of artists or their representatives who retain the copyright to their work. Other images represent the best photography available and should be used as reference images only. Please complete the Image Rights Request form if you want to request a high resolution image.