Zhang Wei

Zhang Wei (, born 1952) is a Chinese painter and an important figure in the development of abstract art in postmodern China. Widely considered one of the founding members of the self-organized group of young painters known as the No Name Group, he continues to create abstract art today. Early life Born in Beijing, China, in 1952 to a wealthy family, Zhang Wei grew up in the old style courtyard home of his paternal grandfather—a successful businessman—with his mother and siblings. During The Cultural Revolution, the Red Guard destroyed the courtyard, and his grandmother was beaten to death and her possessions burned. Zhang's father died in prison in 1968. In the same year, Wei was forced to go to the Xiangluo production bridge in the Shanxi province to become an "educated youth". Due to work-related injuries, Zhang was sent back to Beijing for further treatment in 1971 and began to learn to paint on his own. Career 1973–1986