Леонардо 

Zeng Fanzhi, born in Wuhan in 1964, made this painting of Leonardo. It is an inquiry into both individual and cultural identity after the opening of China in the late 20th century. Fanzhi, coming of age during China's rapid transformation, engages in a dialogue with Western art history, while grappling with the complexities of cultural assimilation and personal expression. The choice of Leonardo, an icon of Western art and intellect, is not accidental. The artist is using Leonardo to explore the tension between tradition and modernity, East and West. The depiction, with its swirling brushstrokes and intense gaze, evokes a sense of turmoil. We can feel the weight of history, both personal and collective, bearing down on the figure. Zeng has said "Actually, everyone is in a state of inner conflict. I portray Leonardo as conflicted and I think that in some ways reflects my state as well." Ultimately, this painting serves as a mirror, reflecting our own struggles to reconcile the past with the present. It prompts us to consider how we negotiate our identities in an increasingly globalized world.