At first glance, Chinese artist Chen Fei appears to be a traditional academic painter, creating meticulously crafted still lifes against dark or gold leaf backgrounds with sophisticated technique and careful application. However, beneath this seemingly conventional surface lies a more complex artistic vision that incorporates unexpected details, nods to consumer society, and moments of cruel irreverence. The Consortium in Dijon is currently presenting Chen Fei's first institutional exhibition in Europe, featuring 17 paintings that reveal the artist's unique approach to contemporary art.

Chen Fei's work demonstrates a masterful ability to blend classical painting techniques with contemporary commentary. His paintings may initially appear somewhat bland to viewers expecting more obvious contemporary art gestures, but closer examination reveals layers of meaning embedded within seemingly traditional compositions. The artist's sophisticated painting style serves as a vehicle for subtle social critique and unexpected juxtapositions that challenge viewers' assumptions about both art and society.

One of the exhibition's standout pieces is "Forgive" from 2020, an acrylic on canvas work measuring 155 x 235 cm. In this large-scale still life, Chen Fei has assembled an extensive collection of green fruits and vegetables, creating what might be called a chromatic diet composition reminiscent of Sophie Calle's "Chromatic Diet" project from 1997, where the French artist playfully ate ingredients of the same color each day of the week. Chen Fei's green assemblage includes kiwis, grapes, large cabbage leaves, asparagus, and watermelon, all rendered with meticulous attention to detail and sophisticated painting technique.

The true genius of "Forgive" lies in its subtle subversion of expectations through the discrete inclusion of a Perrier bottle among the natural produce. This unexpected manufactured product creates a striking commentary on the relationship between nature's bounty and industrial products, highlighting the tension between the natural and the artificial in contemporary life. The bottle serves as both a visual disruption and a conceptual bridge, questioning the boundaries between organic abundance and commercial consumption.

Chen Fei's approach to painting reflects a broader trend among contemporary artists who use traditional techniques to explore modern themes. His work demonstrates how classical still life painting can be reimagined for contemporary audiences, incorporating elements that speak to current social and cultural concerns while maintaining the technical excellence associated with academic art traditions. The artist's ability to embed contemporary commentary within traditional formats makes his work both accessible and intellectually engaging.

The Dijon exhibition represents a significant milestone for Chen Fei, marking his first major institutional presentation in Europe and introducing European audiences to his distinctive artistic voice. The 17 paintings on display showcase the full range of his artistic practice, from his technical mastery to his conceptual sophistication. This European debut positions Chen Fei within the international contemporary art dialogue and demonstrates the growing recognition of his unique contribution to contemporary painting practices.