Meet painter and illustrator from Shanghai, Zhongwen Hu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Born and raised in Shanghai, I got my MFA degree in illustration at Syracuse University. I do paintings, illustrations, animations, and silly things. Travel enthusiast.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I’ve been moving around a lot. I used to live in Syracuse for three years and NYC for one year. Syracuse has amazing views and it was such a beautiful and peaceful place.

NYC is one of my favorite cites, it was vibrant and exciting. It was such chaos that people could always find things they like. Lots of great museums and shows, I was pumped.

Right now I’m in Beijing for more than half of the year, it’s a historic city. The old architectures like the Temple of Heaven are marvelous and people here have great stories.

I will be back in Shanghai soon, I haven’t been home for a while, we will see.

Right now I’m in Beijing for more than half of the year, it’s a historic city.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

There’s no such thing as best or worst, it’s only about perspective. Experience is more important than comparison.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Challenging, soul-filling, patience.

How did you start your career in art?

I drew since I was three, then my parents sent me to a kindergarten that taught art specifically. It just seems like a natural instinct for me to know that I will be an artist. Making art is the happiest thing in the world.

It just seems like a natural instinct for me to know that I will be an artist. Making art is the happiest thing in the world.

 

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes and no, but that doesn’t matter. I want it and I will get it.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to make animations for great musicians, collaborate with interior designers, and since I love travel so much, I want to make murals for sites. My ultimate goal is having my paintings displayed in great museums.

My ultimate goal is having my paintings displayed in great museums.

 

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Too many! Isaac Asimov, Billie Eilish, Glass Animals, World’s End Girlfriend, etc.

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong, independent, caring, loving, and very smart. I admire them and I’m feeling blessed all the time.

Strong, independent, caring, loving, and very smart.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

I can’t recall at the moment, maybe because I wasn’t fully aware of gender or names, I only cared about the works.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

The challenges I’m facing is not about being a female but being an artist itself. The problems are never coming from the outside but inside. It’s always a struggle to make better artworks and stay focused and patient.

Trust yourself and keep your curiosity.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Trust yourself and keep your curiosity. Also, my teacher told me, if you have any questions, make 100 drawings first.

Photos courtesy of Zhongwen Hu.