Wang, Wei Li (1938 - 2001)
Found 2 Works by this Artist
(1938 - 2001)
Lived and worked in Houston, Texas
Wei Li "Willy" Wang (Chinese-born American, 1938-2021) World-renowned artist Willy Wei Li Wang, 82, passed away on January 7, 2021, from congestive heart failure after a lengthy stay at CHI St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was born in China and in 1981 moved to the U.S. and became an American citizen. He graduated from the prestigious 5-year sculpture program at the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing in 1962. Only 7 students from throughout China were accepted into the program. He retained his deep love for China and returned home frequently to visit family and friends and to introduce art students and friends to his native country. He spearheaded tours to study art and art history not only to China but in countries all over the world. Willy was truly a Renaissance man having mastered and excelled in drawing, painting and sculpture. He created movie and festival posters, painted murals, and published a book of caricatures of famous Chinese and American actors several of whom were his friends. He was working on a second book of caricatures at the time of his death. He painted portraits and/or created sculptures of prominent Houstonians and World leaders including George H.W. and Barbara Bush, Doctor and Madam Sun Yat Sen, George R. Brown, actors Lily Chen Foster, Cary Grant, and Lisa Lu. His sculptures are in museums and private collections worldwide. Among his creations here in Texas are the Jesus the Healer (the Great Physician) sculptures located in 8 Methodist Hospitals, the Nurse at CHI St. Luke's Hospital downtown, the Confucius in the Rose Garden in Hermann Park, and the bas-relief sculptures depicting George H.W. Bush's life in Sesquicentennial Park. Last year he completed a sculpture of the Jesuit missionary, scientist, and cartographer Matteo Ricci for the museum on the grounds of Strake Jesuit in Houston. Knowing the importance of the ability to draw and formulate the ideas for sculptures Willy taught life drawing classes pro bono every Saturday at the Willy Wang Workshop for 28 years. He was a member of the Chinese Artists' Association and a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society headquartered in New York City. He was predeceased by his parents Zhuting Wang and Peilan Xu. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will be held on a future date. Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 31, 2021.