Chen Wei observes the rapidly-changing urban landscape in his home country, China, and often captures the beauty in the mundane. In his photography work “Stones and eggs”, the combination of these two very different objects may seem strange when put together, but it is in fact inspired by a common scenery at vegetable markets in China. Stall owners would usually place some small stones at the edge of egg trays as a weight, to avoid having the eggs blown away by strong winds or falling to the ground. In his work, Chen intentionally made the stones appear larger and placed them on top of the eggs, creating an exaggerated and surreal composition. This classic comparison between stones and eggs leads viewers to ponder on the juxtaposition of fragility and sturdiness, lightness and weight. The artist hopes to create a chance to rethink about fixed ideas or concepts.

[Chen Wei] Born in Zhejiang, China in 1980, Chen Wei is currently based in Beijing, China. He has held solo exhibitions at HOW Art Museum, Shanghai (2021), Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo (2020, 2017, 2015), Singapore (2019, 2018, 2015) chi K11 art space, Guangzhou (2018), Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne (2017), chi K11 art museum, Shanghai (2015). His works were included in group exhibitions including “Phantom Plane, Cyberpunk in the Year of the Future” Tai Kwun Contemporary, Hong Kong (2019), “Night Fever. Designing Club Culture 1960 - today” Vitra Design Museum, Germany (2018). His works have been acquired by the Singapore Art Museum (Singapore), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa (Japan), Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (China), K11 Art Foundation (Hong Kong), M+ Sigg Collection (Hong Kong), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (USA).