Her oil painting masterpiece "Dragon Boat" draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese legend of
dragons. People endow this creature, derived from imagination, with free forms and personalities,
embodying rich emotions.
On the vast icy surface, a dragon boat with a non-traditional shape slowly approaches a little girl dressed
in winter clothes. The narrative context originates from traditional Chinese roots, but takes a different
path, full of whimsy. The dragon boat is not just a boat nor a traditional symbol – it represents living
beings, nature, and the universe. The dialogue between the child and the dragon boat transcends
language to speak to the heart. The artist has expressed hope and joy in a world of imagination,
presenting a unique and unrestricted wish in the Year of the Dragon.
Collaborating with Chinese artists on Lunar New Year campaigns has become a tradition for Kering: an
important moment to pay homage to Chinese traditions with a contemporary twist. In 2023, the Group
collaborated with contemporary Chinese painter Peng Wei, whose artwork That Year celebrated
harmony of humans and nature via biodiversity protection. In 2022, Kering welcomed the year of the
Tiger by commissioning contemporary calligrapher’s Xu Jing auspicious brushstroke. In 2020, paper-
cut artist Wen Qiwen and her piece Gazing at the sky beyond the clouds presented a playful nod to
Kering’s Chinese name “kaiyun”. The year before,Kering’s new year greetings saw another word play
twist with artist Xu Bing’s innovative "English square character" calligraphy. These collaborations not
only showcase Kering's support for art but also reflect its continuous pursuit of innovation and diversity.
In the upcoming Year of the Dragon, Kering and Chen Ke will present fascinating and excellent works
of art. They will echo the Group’s signature mission, "Empowering Imagination", while aligning with
Kering’s core concept of creativity and innovation, reflecting its core value of empowering women. This
has long been supported by Kering’s Women In Motion program that shines a light on women’s
contribution to culture and the arts. Earlier, Chen Ke was interviewed on the Kering Women In Motion
official WeChat account, sharing her own creative vision.
In addition to the printed version of the artist's original artwork as a New Year greeting card, this
crossover creative project also includes digital formats. Starting from January 23
rd
, Kering is also
launching the "Kering Creative Relay" social challenge on its official Red account, inviting the public to
participate in a New Year's wish campaign.
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About Chen Ke
Chen Ke, born in 1978 in Tongjiang, Sichuan province, currently lives and works in Beijing.She holds a
master’s degree from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute.
Chen Ke launched her career in Beijing after obtaining a BA from the Oil Painting Department of Sichuan
Academy of Fine Arts in 2002 and an MFA in 2005 from the same faculty. Chen is among the generation
witnessing the rapid development of China. Traditional Chinese culture and Western culture have
intertwined throughout her growth and career.
In Chen’s early works, a fragile little girl was often depicted in a surrealistic background, struggling with
a reversed reality, or wallowing in nostalgia in a lonely and innocent manner. Since 2012, Chen began
to use the real figures in her photographic works as the object of description. From Frida to Monroe,
she expressed her feelings in real life through the interpretation of these characters, especially the
situation of women in society. And the experience of time and life.
In 2018, Chen set out on a new series, attempting to deal with the genuine feelings she has about her
father. In these paintings, she managed to approach her personal experience and understanding of life