Jiannan Wu

Jiannan Wu (b. 1990, Dalian, China) is a sculptor and relief artist based between New York and China. He received his BFA in Sculpture from the China Academy of Art in 2014 and his MFA in Sculpture from the New York Academy of Art in 2016, where he has taught since 2021. Wu was the only Chinese assistant to Jeff Koons from 2017–2018. He is a member of the National Sculpture Society and the American Medallic Sculpture Association.
Working primarily in sculpture and wall-mounted relief, Wu’s practice explores contemporary urban life, politics, sports, and collective memory through realist language combined with humor, satire, and theatrical narrative structures. His works often reflect on the tension and absurdity embedded in contemporary society.
Wu was shortlisted for the 2026 Sovereign Asian Art Prize and the 2024 Tomorrow Sculpture Award. He received the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant in 2019 and the Dexter Jones Award from the National Sculpture Society in both 2017 and 2022. His work has been exhibited internationally at venues and platforms including Sotheby's New York, Phillips New York, Gallery Poulsen, Venice Biennale, The Hole, Forum Gallery, Zhejiang Art Museum, and Swatch Art Peace Hotel. In 2024, his works Chee...

BFA in Sculpture from the China Academy of Art in 2014

MFA in Sculpture from the New York Academy of Art in 2016

Jiannan Wu has participated in over 100 solo and group exhibitions across the United States, Europe, and Asia. His works have been exhibited at institutions, galleries, and international art fairs including Sotheby's New York, Phillips New York, Gallery Poulsen in Copenhagen, The Hole, Forum Gallery, Metropolitan Pavilion, Bard College, New York Academy of Art, Zhejiang Art Museum, Chongqing Contemporary Art Museum, Swatch Art Peace Hotel, and Rarity Gallery in Greece. He has also exhibited at international art fairs such as Art Herning and Art Miami. In 2024, his works Cheers, Destiny Is All, and Feb. News were presented at the Venice Biennale by Swatch Art Peace Hotel at the Arsenale venue, further expanding his international recognition.