Born in 1984 in Dongtou, Zhejiang Province, China, Chen Cheng-Wei graduated at the top of his class from the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou. He is regarded as one of the leading contemporary figurative realist painters in China and is currently based in Hangzhou. In recent years, Chen has transitioned from classical realism to a more expressive and symbolic style, as seen in his Blossoms of Life series. Departing from the precise modeling, perspective, and figuration that defined his earlier works such as The Republic of China and Self-portrait, Chen now explores emotional and spiritual imagery through floral motifs. He also draws on the beauty of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar, using subtle transitions and warm, layered colors to embody the passage of time on canvas.

Chen's early acclaim came from his The Republic of China and Self-portrait series, renowned for their refined classical techniques. Influenced by Western masters such as Rembrandt, his works emphasize light, humanist atmosphere, and a distinct classical aesthetic. Through semi-transparent glazing and meticulous brushwork, Chen merges Chinese cultural elements with Western classical traditions, creating a seamless dialogue between East and West.

In recent years, Chen has developed a more spiritually resonant visual language through his Blossoms of Life series—a body of work celebrating vitality and emotional memory. In these paintings, floral forms become metaphors for inner life and maternal love, inspired by his childhood memories and the nurturing presence of his mother. Drawing on visual languages from Eastern mural traditions, religious iconography, and Thangka painting, and integrating the color sensibility of post-Impressionism, Chen creates visual totems symbolizing unseen life energies. The Flower of Life series was featured in a solo exhibition titled Temperature—Oil Paintings of Chen Chengwei at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019, receiving widespread attention.

In 2023, Chen created The Vibrancy of Life, his first large-scale diptych work, symbolizing familial bonds and the continuity of life. This work reflects his deep contemplation of selfhood, existence, and the profound breadth of life.

Chen’s major solo exhibitions include the Frederiksborg Museum of National History in Denmark, Sunny Art Centre in London, Crossing Art Gallery in New York, CHINI Gallery in Taipei, and Today Art Museum in Beijing.