Wang Jianuo

I believe that men are just boys who never grow up. Deep inside, they are childish and lovable. The mask they wear on the outside is merely a veil for the struggles of society. I’ve painted so many memories from the '70s, '80s, and '90s because I want the audience to return to the core of their inner selves. When they recall their childhood, they can momentarily shed the mask of being strong and unyielding. Childhood is beautiful, and memories are beautiful. I've seen parents from the '80s bring their young children to exhibitions, pointing at the paintings and saying, "This is the cartoon we watched when we were kids." That moment always feels very beautiful.