Lu Xinjian

Lu Xinjian (b. 1977, Yixing, Jiangsu, China) is a multidisciplinary artist who graduated from the Graphic Design Department of the Nanjing Arts Institute in 2000. He later studied in the Netherlands at the IM Postgraduate Department of Design Academy Eindhoven (2004–2005) and holds an MFA in Interactive Media and Environment from the Frank Mohr Institute (2006). He currently lives and works in Shanghai, China.

Coming from a design background, Lu Xinjian brings a distinct understanding of the relationships between lines, shapes, and colours into his artistic practice. Influenced by his early training in graphic design, these elements remain central to his work as he transitioned into the contemporary art field. 

Lu’s breakthrough came with his renowned City DNA series, inspired by Google Earth. In this body of work, he traces aerial views of cities around the world and abstracts them into simplified compositions of lines and patterns. Through this process, he transforms complex urban landscapes into visually striking, minimalist forms that retain the essence of each city. 

Since 2009, Lu has expanded his practice through multiple series including Invisible Poems, City Stream, Constellation, Reflections, and Illuminations. His works balance simplicity and complexity, merging abstraction with conceptual depth. While the compositions appear minimal and intuitive, they embody layered narratives tied to the historical, economic, and cultural identities of each city.