Born in Anhui Province, China, Hua Qing is a renowned contemporary artist specialising in painting. He is best known for his iconic ape series, in which the primate form becomes a vehicle for probing beyond the superficial veneer of modern life to explore deeper questions of human nature, encompassing philosophical inquiry, as well as the origins and history of humankind. Working in a distinctly expressionist style, his paintings are characterised by assured, solid brushwork. In his compositions, apes are often depicted in contemplative states, juxtaposed with scientific equations, an evocative nod to their primal intelligence. Through these works, Hua Qing invites viewers to reflect on the importance of harmonious coexistence between humanity and other species, and to reconnect with the natural environment. Hua Qing graduated from the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University in 1986. His solo exhibitions include The Upanishad of Human Beings at the Asia Art Center, Beijing (2008), Natural Paradise at Hotel Éclat Beijing (2022), and The Flowers of Hua Qing at Nanman Art (2025).