Ma Ke

Ma Ke is a Chinese artist renowned for his vibrant colors and depictions of human life, events, and natural landscapes.

Biography of Ma Ke

Ma Ke, born in China, in 1970, received his artistic training at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts, followed by further studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. Prior to his formal education, he was taught traditional Chinese oil painting and Russian social realism by his father. However, his artistic perspective evolved significantly during his time at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts.

During his academic journey, Ma Ke was exposed to the works of renowned Western artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Francis Bacon, as well as contemporary European artists. This exposure to diverse artistic influences highlighted the limitations of the Chinese artistic system, prompting Ma Ke to break free from its constraints and pursue his own artistic path.

The artist served as a visiting professor of painting in Eritrea in 1998 and 1999. In 2017, he participated in an artist residency program with the Laforêt Summer Vacation Project in Italy.

Ma Ke has exhibited his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions both domestically in China and internationally. His art has been showcased in countries including the United States, Germany, and Singapore, introducing his distinctive style to a global audience.

Currently, he lives and works in Beijing, China.

Ma Ke's Famous Paintings

Ma Ke’s paintings often depict individuals in adventurous and challenging situations, sometimes surrounded by elements of danger or precariousness. Notable pieces include "迦陵 | Jia Ling" (2000), "月光下的马 | Horses Under the Moonlight" (2005), "Game 2" (2012), "Dionysus I" (2015), "Rabbit by the River" (2019), "Sorrowful Rabbit" (2021), "Mr.Bunny Ⅱ" (2021), "Journey to the West, Plato's Cave I" (2022), and many more. 

Ma Ke's Art Style

Ma Ke's paintings exhibit a controlled expressiveness, striking a delicate balance between restraint and intensity. Drawing on his knowledge of Western painting techniques and his roots in Chinese painting traditions, he skillfully blends these influences. The juxtaposition of Western and Chinese styles in Ma Ke's work demonstrates his thoughtful exploration of the possibilities inherent in combining different artistic approaches. The artist creates a visual language that resonates with viewers and invites them to engage in his artistic dialogue.