Zhou Yiyan is a contemporary sculptor based in France whose work transcends traditional boundaries in visual arts. Each of Yiyan's creations stems from deep reflections on human nature, the relationship between beings and their environment, and the movements of dance. Inspired by natural forms and expressions of the human body, she crafts evocative sculptures where earth, porcelain, and metals like brass, bronze, and gold intertwine. Her sculptures embody a subtle fusion of the delicacy of ceramics with the robustness of brass, revealing a constant exploration of contrasts and complements.
In addition to her sculptures, Yiyan explores another artistic expression centered around movement. She combines improvisations in drawing, sculpture, dance, and music to create immersive performances. This illustrates her fascination with fluidity of movement and bodily expression, integrating gesture and material in an intimate dialogue.
Originally from Anhui China, Yiyan received her education in art and design from Shanghai Normal University and studied fashion design at Studio Berçot in Paris. Her work has been celebrated for its beauty and originality, including winning the Young Creation Award in crafts, organized by Les Ateliers d’Art de France, in 2016. Her work is regularly showcased in international art galleries and fairs.

Permanent exhibitions
MiniMasterpiece Gallery, Paris
aquilaluna Gallery, Liège, Belgium
ART[s] Gallery Simone Jason, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Online exhibitions
Rise Art, Bleur Art, Saatchi Art
Private collection
France, Belgium, UK, Hong-Kong, United States
Solo show
2023 « Danse-Silex » Le Carré, St Cloud, France
« Danse-Silex » Galerie GBD, Arnay-le-duc, France
2022 « Greffe » MiniMasterpiece Gallery, Paris
2017 Joseph Déchelette Fine Art Museum of Roanne, France
Biennale of creative jewelery of St Maurice sur Loire, France /Guest of honor
2016 « Circles » MiniMasterpiece Gallery, Paris
2015 « Silence » Genesis central, Paris
Group shows and trade shows
2023 France: Contemporary Ceramics center, Giroussens;
Grand Palais Revelation Biennal, Paris;
Asnieres-sur-seine castel; Francis Barlier Gallery, Paris
2022 The Royal Exchange, London; London design festival;
Collective Design, New York
2018 -20 PAD-Paris Art + Design, Paris; Art Elysée, Paris; RÉVÉLATION
Grand Palais, Paris; Mouvements Modernes gallery, Paris; 12 Drouot,
Paris; P/CAS PARIS Contemporary art show; BOZAR de Bruxelles;
Collective Design, NY; « Insert Feeling », London; Venice Design, Venice
/in the context of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2018; Milan design week;
Château de Montbron, France; Stadt Museum Düsseldorf and
Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus Hanau, Germany.
Bibliography
2018 « Bijoux Contemporains, une passion » /Editions of Regard
Awards
2017 Friedrich Becker Prize Düsseldorf 2017 /Finalist
2016 Prix de la jeune création des métiers d’Art des Ateliers d’art de France
/Laureate
2012 Grand Prix de la Création de la mairie de Paris /Finalist
Artist residences
2024 Konstepidemin, Gothenburg, Sweden
2019 « Chantons aux vache », Châteauroux, France
Foundry workshop of l’Opidum, Roanne, France
2007 -08 National Manufactory of Sèvres Ceramics
Education
2008 -10 Studio Berçot Paris /Fashion design
2002 -07 College of Fine Arts, Shanghai Normal University /Art&design