Yujin (Olivia) Zhu is a Chinese artist who grew up in Ireland and is currently based in London.

From an early age, she demonstrated remarkable artistic talent and received training from Fengli Yu, founder of Yu-Phoenix Studio, a professional artist who graduated from Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). This solid foundation allowed her to develop strong technical skills without detours, leading her to successfully enter one of the world’s top art institutions.

When she was 17 years old, her artwork “Fred, my Father” was shortlisted for the 2022 Zurich Young Portrait Prize at National Gallery of Ireland, ranking among the top 20 finalists nationwide. The piece was later exhibited at both the National Gallery of Ireland and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. This portrait, meticulously created with coloring pencils, showcases her extraordinary realism techniques, capturing intricate anatomical structures, delicate light and shadow transitions, and the rich textures of fabric. The subject appears almost lifelike, with deep, expressive eyes and clothing folds that seem tangible.

Her work not only gained recognition within the art world but also attracted significant media attention. Some leading Irish media outlets, including The Irish Times and RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann), reported on her achievement, praising her exceptional talent and mastery of realism. During the award ceremony, Yujin attended the exhibition with her family. The moment they entered the gallery, they immediately drew the attention of the audience. Many visitors who had previously seen Father instantly recognized “the painter’s father”, eagerly approaching to express their admiration. Audience were astonished that such a highly detailed and emotionally powerful work was created by a 17-year-old Chinese artist, with many predicting a promising future for her.

Sky is the limit. As a young artist, Yujin keeps learning and expanding the boundaries of Painting. While deeply rooted in traditional painting, Yujin also explores emerging technologies such as 3D modelling, 3D printing, and AR, integrating them into her artistic practice. She is currently developing her career as a freelance artist, combining hand-drawn art with digital innovation to push creative boundaries. Through her use of rich colors and expressive brushwork, she seeks to convey deep emotions and narratives, while also exploring how new media can enhance visual storytelling in the modern age.

Leletart is honoured to partner with Yu-Phoenix Studio and Yujin (Olivia), we look forward to hearing your stories, and to create art to your heart.

Please join me to enjoy some of her recent work, and discover more on this website.

Read more: https://www.nationalgallery.ie/art-and-artists/exhibitions/zurich-young-portrait-prize-2022/yujin-zhu