Cai Zhisong
Cai Zhisong graduated from the Sculpture Department of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1997 and taught there for ten years before resigning in 2008 to focus on his art creation.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards, including the First Prize for Creation at the Central Academy of Fine Arts Graduation Exhibition in 1997, the Taylor Prize at the Paris Salon d'Automne in 2001 (the first Chinese artist to receive this honor in the event's 103-year history, at the age of 29), and the President's Award from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2004. He was invited to the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 and was named one of the "Top 100 Art Leaders in the World" by Art Actuel in 2012. In 2014, he received the Rockefeller Award for Outstanding Young Chinese Artist and the Annual Impact Special Artist Award.
In recent years, Cai has held numerous solo exhibitions worldwide and participated in many group shows. His works have set the highest auction records for Chinese sculptors internationally and are collected by esteemed institutions such as the Rockefeller Art Foundation, Newark Museum of Art, Regensburg Museum, National Museum of Greece, National Museum of Indonesia, National Gallery Singapore, Deutsche Bank, and various prominent Chinese museums.
His major works include the series "Motherland," "Rose," "Floating Clouds," and "Homeland." Cai’s art and academic activities have a broad social impact, marked by extensive cross-border collaborations and efforts to integrate art with various societal fields.
Artworks
Biography
Born
Shenyang, China, 1972
Education
Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing. 2001
Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing. 1997
Selected Solo Exhibitions
2023
“Shuang Yu: Cai Zhisong 2023 Solo Exhibition”, Zhisong Gallery, Beijing, China
2023
“Man of Virtue and Commitment: Cai Zhisong 2022 Solo Exhibition”, Suzhou 56 Cultural & Creative Industry Park, Suzhou, China
2021
“Going Deeper: Cai Zhisong 2021 Solo Exhibition”, Suzhou Museum, Suzhou, China
2021
YUN: Cai Zhisong 2021 Solo Exhibition”, Yang Gallery, Singapore
2020
“Shuang Yun: Cai Zhisong 2020 Solo Exhibition”, Cai’s Studio, Suzhou, China
2020
“YUN: Cai Zhisong 2020 Solo Exhibition”, Fanrong Gallery, Suzhou, China
2019
“Blossom: Cai Zhisong 2019 Solo Exhibition”, Shanghai Miaoyong Culture & Arts Exchange Center, Shanghai, China
2018
“Inhabiting: Cai Zhisong 2018 Solo Exhibition”, Suzhou Jinji Lake Art Museum, Suzhou, China
2018
“Launch: Cai Zhisong Art Exhibition”, Shanghai Miaoyong Culture & Arts Exchange Center, Shanghai, China
2018
“Casting Gold: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Jinccal Gallery, Hangzhou, China
2018
“Space and Pattern: New Oriental Aesthetics of Cai Zhisong”, Guan Tang Art District, Beijing, China
2017
“Between Heaven and Man: Cai Zhisong 2017 Solo Exhibition”, Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum, Shanghai, China
2016
“Dimension of Spirit: Cai Zhisong Transboundary Art Exhibition”, Mercedes Me, Beijing, China
2015
“Rose Cloud Screen: 2015 Cai Zhisong First Solo Exhibition”, Lakeville Gallery, Shanghai, China
2015
“Floating Rose: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Tina Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan, China
2015
“In Clouds: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Leo Gallery, Shanghai, China
2014
“Review of History·Cai Zhisong Museum of Contemporary Art”, Taipei, Taiwan, China
2014
“Between Cloud and Water, Cai Zhisong Art Exhibition”, Rockefeller Roserockca Art Club (Beijing), Beijing, China
2014
“Beyond the Cloud: Cai Zhisong Art Exhibition”, Hong Kong Art Centre, Galerie Ora-Ora, Leo Gallery, Yang Gallery (Beijing) Exhibition at these four places at the same time
2013
“Ming to Modern: Newark Museum New Jersey”, United States
2012
“Rose & Clouds: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, ARTMIA Gallery, Beijing, China
2012
“Trilogy: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, MOCA, Singapore
2012
“Spirit-Cai Zhisong & Wang Xinggang Art Exhibition”, Siemens ArtSpace, Beijing, China
2012
“Cloud Color: Cai Zhisong & Guo Feng Art Exhibition”, Joy Place, Beijing, China
2011
“Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
2011
“Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Ode To Art Contemporary, Singapore
2011
“Chinese Pavilion at the 54rd Venice International Biennial, Venice, Italy Black white, Zero Art M”
2010
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Ming Art, Taiwan
2010
“Motherland and Rose: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Triumph Art Space, Beijing, China
2009
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, China Square NY, New York, United States
2009
“Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, See+ Gallery, Beijing, China
2006
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, SHiNE Art Space, Shanghai, China
2005
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, La Ke’er Art Center, Beijing, China
2005
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Highland Gallery, Beijing, China
2004
“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Art Scene Warehouse, Shanghai, China2003，“Motherland: Cai Zhisong Solo Exhibition”, Belgium Embassy, Beijing, China
Selected Group Exhibitions
2021
"Beyond Dimensions", Chiwan No.1 Art Center, Shenzhen, China
2023
"Root in Profound Culture Lead Influential Spirit of Era Commit to Artistic Masterwork Explore with Sublime Pursuit", Beijing One Art Museum, Beijing, China,
2023
"The 10th West Bund Art & Design", West Bund Art Center, Shanghai, China,
2023
"Perpetual, Beyond Time: the Art of Lancome Absolue", China Shipping Pavilion, Shanghai, China,
2023
"The 6th Suzhou Jinji Lake Biennale", Jinji Lake Art Museum, Suzhou, China,
2021
"Towards a New Land: Tales of the Ancient", Pavilion: Suzhou Garden Art Festival, Suzhou, Beijing,
2021
"Contemporary and the Future: the Invitation Exhibition of Haihe Art Museum", Tianjing, China,
2021
"Great Tang All Day Mall: Xi'an Xinhua Bookstore Opening Exhibition", Xi’an, China,
2019
"Clouds Rise Springs Flow: Contemporary Configuration of Chinese Traditional Aesthetics", Modern Art Exhibition Halls Suzhou Museum, Suzhou, China,
2019
"Apocalypse of Art: Joint Exhibition of Artcloud Global Originality Art Center", Shenzhen, China,
2019
"Classics of the Time: 2019 Chinese Sculpture Academic Invitation Exhibition", Hailan Art Museum, Jiangshu, China,
2019
"Chengde Contemporary International Art Series Exhibition", Art Dagao.Chengde Backstreet, Chengde, China,
2018
"Ceremony & Daily: Cai Zhisong & He Wenjue Exhibition", J SPACE & KK MALL, Shenzhen, China,
2018
"The Poetry of Colors: Cai Zhisong & Philippe Caretti Art Exhibition", Yang Gallery, Beijing, China,
2017
"Happy Chinese New Year: Fantastic Art China", The Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, USA,
2017
"Spring Blossom: SKP Beijing Hue Arts Exhibition", SKP Beijing×Art Space No.1, Beijing, China,
2016
"Cai Zhisong & Grace Chen Art Exhibition", HOUSE OF GRACE CHEN, Shanghai, China,
2016
"From the Peony Pavilion: the Contemporary Art Exhibition", Suzhou Jinji Lake Art Museum, Suzhou, China,
2016
"1st Sanya International Coast Art", White Box Art Center, Sanya, China,
2016
"Chinese Landscape in the Multi-Dimension: the 4th Art Sanya", Huayu Resort And Spa Yalong Bay Sanya, Sanya, China,
2015
"Sculpture for Home: The First National Sculpture Exhibition", China National Grand Theatre, Beijing, China,
2015
"Return, The Riverside Art Museum Opening Ceremony", The Riverside Art Museum, Beijing, China,
2015
"City Lights: 2015 Shanghai Urban Contemporary Sculpture and Installation Expo", Yun Gallery, Shanghai, China,
2015
"Magnanimous: 2015 Art Home Exhibition", Beijing, China.
2015
"Taiyuan International Sculpture Biennial", Taiyuan Art Museum, China,
2014
"Ideas: Art Exhibition of Young and Middle-aged Sculptors",
2014
"The Seventh Shenzhen Cultural Fair: The image of Pingshan--Invitation exhibition of Chinese and foreign artists in the field of sculpture", Shenzhen, China,
2014
"Changwon Sculpture biennale", Moonshin Art Museum, Changwon, Korea,
2014
"Innovation", Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning, Beijing, China,
2013
"The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Collection Exhibition", National Art Museum Of China, Beijing, China,
2013
"Sculpture Almanac Exhibition 2013", China National Grand Theater, Beijing, China,
2012
"Spirit —— Cai Zhisong &Wang Xinggang Art Exhibition", Siemens Art Space, Beijing,China,
2012
"Cloud Color —— Cai Zhisong &Guo Feng Art Exhibition", Joy Place, Beijing, China,
2012
"Sculpture China", Museum of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,
2011
"Chinese Pavilion at the 54rd Venice International Biennial", Venice, Italy,
2011
"Black white", 0 Zero Art Museum, 798 Factory, Beijing, China,
2011
"Ru shi —— Chinese Contemporary Scene", Songzhuang, Beijing, China,
2011
"Mi man . Beijing —— Reproduce Chinese Pavilion at the 2011 Venice International Biennial 798 Yue-Museum", Beijing, China,
2010
"Sharing with Classic", Beijing, China,
2010
"Passing Territory-Chinese And Foreign Masters Fine Print Exhibition", 798 Art Bridge Gallery, SanBan Studio, Beijing, China,
2009
"CISAE 2009", Beijing, China,
2009
"The 1st Youth Art Biennale in Chongqing", Chongqing, China,
2009
"Revival of Tradition-Mountain and River/ Text/ Memory", Frankfurt Book Fair, Frankfurt, Germany,
2009
"Print Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Artists", Chongqing, China,
2009
"Our Love-Opening Show of Yan Gallery", Shanghai, China,
2009
"Northeast Hotpot-1st Show of ACEA 2009", La Ke’er Art Center, Beijing, China,
2008
"The Return Imagination", See+ Gallery, Beijing, China,
2008
"The Floating Art", Beijing, China,
2008
"Changes", DR Gallery, Beijing, China,
2007
"Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture", 798 Factory, Beijing, China,
2006
"1st China Document", China World Art Museum, Beijing, China,
2006
"China-Korea Art Exchange Show", 3818 Cool Gallery, Beijing, China,
2006
"Chinese Contemporary Sketches Exhibition", Beijing / Hangzhou / Guangzhou/Shenyang, China,
2006
"The Red Flag", 798 Factory, Beijing, China,
2005
"Installation & Sculpture Exhibition", Kennedy Art Center, Washington D.C., USA,
2005
"Open Spaces Sculpture Exhibition", Beijing LOFTEL, Beijing, China,
2005
"Cai Zhisong, Feng Feng Duo Exhibition", Art Scene China, Shanghai, China,
2005
"Group Exhibition Chinese Artists", Reed Savage Gallery, Miami, Florida, USA.
2005
"Open Spaces", CBD Art Space, Beijing, China,
2005
"Passion and Force Group Exhibition", Yan Club Art Center, Beijing, China,
2004
"Young Professors Show", Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,
2004
"Middle Space Between the World and Paradise", Chongqing, China,
2004
"60s to 70s Group Exhibition of Outstanding Young Chinese Artists", Today Art, Beijing, China,
2004
"China Imagination, China Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition", Palaise Du Louvre Square, Paris, France,
2004
"Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China", National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China,
2004
"The 10th Annual Art Exhibition", National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China,
2004
"La France Mandarine", Hong Kong, Shanghai, China, Paris, France,
2004
"Art Cologne 2004", Cologne, Germany,
2004
"Invitational Exhibition Asian Art Exhibition", Frey Norris Gallery, San Francisco, USA,
2004
"Chinese Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition", Brussels, Belgium,
2003
"Today’s Chinese Art Exhibition", China World Art Museum, Beijing, China,
2003
"Sculpture Exhibition", Beijing, China,
2003
"International Environmental Art and Sculpture Exhibition", Shanghai, China,
2003
"The 1st Beijing Biennale", National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China,
2003
"Changing Directions The 1st Invitational Exhibition of Contemporary Art", Chongqing Art Museum, Chongqing, China,
2003
"Multi-Focus", Art Scene Warehouse, Shanghai, China,
2002
"Professor’s Sculpture Show", Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,
2001
"Chinese Contemporary Art Touring Exhibition", Europe,
2001
"Exceptional Sculpture Exhibition of International Fine Arts Presidents Forum", Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,
2001
"Westlake Invitational Exhibition", The Westlake Art Museum, Hangzhou, China,
2001
"Paris Autumn Salon", Eiffel-Branly, Paris, France,
2000
"Invitational Sculpture Exhibition", Changchun, China,
2000
"55th Anniversary of Victory Against the Japanese", Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China,
1999
"Sculpture Exhibition of Eight Young Artists", Contemporary Art Gallery, Beijing, China,
1999
"The 9th National Art Exhibition", National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China,
1998
"The 1st Group Exhibition of Young Sculptors in Beijing", Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing, China.
Awards
2017
Honored Robb Report “Best of the Best” Annual Artist
2017
The “Man of the Year (Art)” in the 14th Esquire
2017
The “Most Ingenious Artist of the Year” in the 4th Beauty Touching at China
2017
The “Art Leaders” in the 2017 China Collection Festival
2014
Obtained The First Rockefeller Outstanding Chinese Young Artist Award
2014
Obtained “Extraordinary Journey” 2014 Annual Influence Special Award for Artist
2013
Rated as China Mr 2013 in Esquire
2013
Rated as “Global Chinese Fashion Leader”
2012
Awarded as one of Global Art Actuel “Global 100 Art Leaders” in France
2012
Honored as “Art Authority Figure” and ranked in global men’s power list, Fashion Lofficiel
2004
Obtained the President’s Prize at Central Academy of Fine Arts
2004
Obtained Bronze Prize at the 10th National Art Exhibition
2003
Obtained Outstanding Work Prize at the Fuzhou International Invitational Sculpture Exhibition
2001
Obtained the “Taylor Prize” at the Paris Autumn Salon
2001
Obtained Outstanding Work Prize at the Hebei International Invitational Sculpture Exhibition
2000
Obtained Gold Prize at the 55th Anniversary Exhibition of the Commemorating the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression
1997
Received the First Prize in the Graduation Works Exhibition of the Central Academy of Fine Arts
Public Collection
National Museum of China
National Art Museum of China
Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum
Chinese Sculpture Museum
Research Center for Aesthetics, Peking University
Rockefeller Rothrock
Newark Museum (U.S.A)
Greek Museum
Regensburg Museum, Germany
National Museum of Indonesia
National Museum of Singapore
Deutsche Bank (China) Ltd
Embassy of Belgium in China
Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum
Suzhou Museum
Rolls-Royce China
He Xiang Ning Art Museum
Zhejiang Art Museum
Today Art Museum
Chongqing Art Museum
Qingdao Art Museum
Suzhou Jinji Lake Art Museum
Changchun Sculpture Art Museum
Shanghai Miaoyong Culture and Art Center
Changchun Municipal Government
Shijiazhuang Municipal Government
Yantai Municipal Government
Jiaozuo Municipal Government