"Mao" (2012), is one of the newest, most dynamic and important of the vibrant Neo-Pop large-scale paintings by rising star, critically-acclaimed Chinese Contemporary artist Ren Zhenyu (China b. 1976). This painting is recently released from the artist's studio and is painted at Ren's largest dimensions to date, 59 x 59 inches (150 x 150 cm) and is in excellent condition. Former Chinese leader Mao's iconic smiling portrait, one of most recognizable historical and political images that literally defined a nation for decades, is interpreted by Ren in his iconic neo-Pop palette and his rapid, staccato like brush stroke that completely re-contextualize Mao's image.
Ren's portraits tend to be of the most famous Eastern and Western cultural icons, including Mao as well as Andy Warhol, U.S. President Obama, Che Guevara, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, Damien Hirst and Lucien Freud among others.

Born in China in 1976, Ren Zhenyu graduated in 1999 from the Tianjin Academy of Fine Art. His work has been exhibited at Museums and galleries world wide, including The Shanghai Art Museum, Shanghai. He is represented in by the prestigious Willem Kerseboom Gallery, The Netherlands, Olyvia Fine Arts, U.K. amongst others. His work is held in select private and public collections in the U.S, U.K, Europe and throughout Asia. The artist lives and works in China.