In what was previously the Shanghai Chunming Woollen Mill that is now the Shanghai M50 art district, you will find a man who throws and rocks and mud at a piece of canvas and calls it art.
Wang Lushan is a mixed-media artist who creates paintings composed of a melange of paint and natural materials. He takes what’s typically thought of as rubble and transforms it into art, emphasising the importance of sustainability, while primarily drawing his inspiration from love and life.
Wang started his craft in 1994 in a painting factory before moving onto being a ghost painter. After 10 years of uncredited work, Wang made the decision to head to Beijing and finally paint under his own name, confiding to The Nanjinger that he needed to create his own work. After 3 years in, Beijing, Wang then decided to come to Shanghai where he has been based these past 17 years, complete in himself in creating his own work.
As to his creative process, Wang says, “When I create, I like to listen to music and drink tea. When I create, I can chat with people while creating. But I also enjoy being alone. I also really like being quiet and creating without being interrupted.
“I also like to drink tea when no one is disturbing my creation, and sometimes I drink tea alone for a long time. I also like listening to music. Not only do I like music myself, I also like to share music with everyone. I share music with people every day.”
The Nanjinger wondered what people around Wang think of him as an artist. He responds with a fascinating list, both prosaic and profound:
• The people around me are down to Earth, and I like to communicate with uncomplicated people. Fighting with people is exhausting.
• I like simplicity, and I am also very simple. With a simple life, I can create more with my heart.
• I don’t like talking about money. I’m talking about art.
• I like playing chess.
• I like drawing, singing, playing ball, and sports.
• I have a wide range of hobbies.
• I devote all my mind to art.
• I like to communicate with two kinds of people; those who love their bodies and those who love art. I like to deal with these two people.
Wang shares his difficulty in making the decision to be a painter. “99 percent of the people who make this decision have no food”. However, If you do choose this career, Wang advises you to be prepared to go hungry. “Don’t be afraid of having nothing to eat. Even if you have nothing to eat, you will feel comfortable in your heart.”
Do this well to be a professional painter, Wang advises. No professional painter can guarantee that their paintings will be 100 percent sold.
“If you choose to be a professional painter, concentrate on painting; this kind of preparation can prepare you to paint for the rest of your life.”
Concluding advice for budding painters, Wang says, “It is not easy for people who want to be famous for their paintings to succeed. To paint well, you must first calm down, and only after you calm down can you paint well. To put it simply, choose to be hungry first, and then choose to paint.”
Shuanggulun Gallery is located at 104, Building 13, 50 Moganshan Lu, Putuo District, Shanghai 上海市普陀区，莫干山路 M50，13号楼104双伦画廊
Wang can be found there every weekend and is more than happy to engage in conversation about his work.
“Breakthrough”
“The Eiffel Tower”
“Thread of Time”
“Heart and Starry Sky”
