David Ma – Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Art
David Ma (b. 1956, China) is a distinguished Chinese American painter whose work seamlessly merges traditional Chinese ink painting with modern impressionistic and abstract styles. With a career spanning over five decades, he has explored artistic landscapes across China, South America, Japan, and the United States, developing a unique visual language that blends Eastern philosophy with contemporary artistic expressions.
Art style：
His early artistic foundation was shaped by his father, who taught him traditional Chinese painting techniques, and later by the mentorship of Song Yugui, a leading figure in Chinese contemporary art. Influenced by the expressive abstraction of Zao Wou-Ki, David Ma has refined his approach to painting, using bold brushwork, dynamic compositions, and a profound understanding of ink’s fluidity to create works that evoke both historical resonance and modern sensibility.
Beyond painting, he has made significant contributions to ceramic art, curating international exhibitions and engaging in cross-cultural dialogues through his artistic practice. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to exploring the intersections of heritage, innovation, and artistic freedom.
Career & Artistic Journey
Education & Training
- 1974-1980 Studied under Song Yugui (1940-2017), a renowned figure in Chinese contemporary painting.
- 1980-1983 Attended Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, specializing in fine arts.
Career & Artistic Journey
- 1968-1974 Demonstrated exceptional artistic talent from a young age, actively participating in school art projects and designing visual displays for various cultural and artistic activities.
- 1974-1980 Studied under Yugui Song (1940-2017), a renowned modern and contemporary artist in China.
- 1980s Received professional training in fine arts at Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, specializing in painting.
- 1989 Joined the Liaoning Provincial Art Museum and Liaoning Art Academies as an artist.
- 1989 Traveled to Argentina to participate in an international painting exhibition.
- 1990-1993 Lived in Peru for three years, where he learned Spanish and explored Latin American art and culture.
- 1993-1994 Conducted artistic research and studies in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
- 1995 Returned to Beijing, China.
- 1996-2013 Traveled extensively to Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Dubai, Australia, and Canada, gaining a deep understanding of international art and culture.
- 2008-2013 Focused on ceramic art in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, establishing his own Ma Li Ceramic Art Studio.
- 2009 Curated an art exhibition in Beijing National Stadium, featuring portraits of Chinese Olympic sports stars.
- 2011 Organized the Sanxingdui Bronze Oil Painting Exhibition, showcasing ancient Chinese civilization through contemporary artistic interpretation.
- 2012 Awarded the title of Master of Liaoning Arts and Crafts.
- 2013 Immigrated to the United States, settling in California.
- 2013-2019 Focused on painting and artistic creation in the United States.
- 2020-Present Continues to refine and expand his unique artistic style, integrating diverse cultural influences. By the end of 2024, he has created over a thousand works, including oil paintings, Chinese ink paintings, and impressionistic line drawings.