Born in 1958 in Shanghai, Wang Jiafang is renowned for his exceptional talent in painting. His works reflect the Haipai culture – a cultural phenomenon known as the "Shanghai style" or "Shanghai culture" – which encompasses the unique blend of traditions, customs and lifestyles that emerged in the 20th century.

Wang skillfully portrays the distinctive allure and spirit of Shanghai in his large-scale paintings. "Large-scale paintings transcend mere dimensions. I think they should possess substance. They should narrate the tale of an era, the essence of history and other stories. Such works should effectively convey profound ideas and thoughts, encapsulating a meaningful message within their artistic composition," he explained.

In recent years, he has also embarked on a creative exploration, pushing the boundaries of urban expression within the realm of Chinese painting, harnessing its unique visual language. The inspiration for this was sparked five years ago when Wang undertook a significant commission.

In 2018, Wang was entrusted with a task to create a backdrop painting for the hall where foreign guests were received during the first China International Import Expo. This presented him with an unprecedented challenge.

Wang directed his focus towards Shikumen, a residential area featuring traditional architecture that emerged in Shanghai during the 1860s. As Wang put it, "The Shikumen architecture in Shanghai exudes a vibrant atmosphere and holds a deep connection with the local residents, making it a significant and distinctive feature of the city."

"The work, titled 'Shanghai,' revolves around scenes of the Shikumen architecture. In the background, the dynamic and modern Lujiazui financial center symbolizes the city's remarkable journey of development and progress. The iconic Chinese plane trees, bathed in the golden hues of autumn, provide a striking visual backdrop that further accentuates the era-defining essence of Shanghai," Wang described his painting.

This painting left a deep impression on art critic Zhang Lixing. "Renowned American artist Mark Rothko once said that the finest artwork is one that renders you speechless, incapable of immediately expressing your thoughts. It possesses rich meanings that resonate deeply with you," said Zhang. He added that Wang's masterpiece "Shanghai" reflects the essence and history of the metropolitan city.

Wang has witnessed the rapid growth and evolution of Shanghai over the past five decades. In 1987, he was admitted to the Art Department of East China Normal University, where he studied Chinese landscape painting under the guidance of Professor Su Chunsheng.

In 2019, Wang was commissioned to create a large-scale painting depicting the Pudong District in Shanghai. The project aimed to capture the significant transformations that have unfolded in the area over the past three decades. He said one of the challenges in portraying Pudong was the fusion of modern high-rise buildings with traditional Chinese painting techniques, as there was no precedent in traditional painting. To address this, Wang skillfully integrated techniques from Western oil painting into his work.

The grand painting titled "Pudong" stuns viewers with its dimensions, which measures an impressive 9 meters in width and 4.5 meters in height. Over 50 high-rise structures, inspired by their real-life counterparts in the area, come to life through Wang's strokes.

In addition to his passion for painting, Wang is also deeply fascinated by ceramic art. He endeavors to blend the essence of Haipai culture, which embodies Shanghai's distinctive cultural traits, with the artistic realm of ceramics.

Wang believes that his brush serves as a conduit for his deep love for Shanghai. He is committed to producing more works that capture the vibrant energy and ever-changing nature of the city and China going forward.