Weiliang Zhao (b. 1944, Shanghai) is an artist celebrated for his distinctive blend of Eastern mysticism and Western abstraction. His paintings are known for their exquisite color and refined beauty. Currently based in both San Francisco and Shanghai, Zhao’s practice reflects a transcultural perspective, bridging philosophical traditions and aesthetic languages across continents. He was first inspired by the ancient Buddhist caves of Yungang and Longmen, whose spiritual depth and intricate carvings profoundly influenced his artistic vision. Zhao was a teacher in the Art Department at Shanghai Jiao Tong University when he came to Chicago in 1986. He became an important figure in the rise of Chinese contemporary art following China's cultural opening in the mid-1980s. In Chicago, Zhao was represented by the former East/West Contemporary Art Gallery in the River North Art District. Zhao’s work has been featured in over 38 solo exhibitions and is part of more than 520 private collections worldwide. His art has been shown at prestigious institutions including the Laforet Museum and SOGO Museum of Art in Japan, the National Museum of Modern Art in Korea, the Shanghai Art Museum, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Among his most notable public commissions are large-scale works for Shanghai Hyundai Plaza and Central Plaza—Hong Kong’s tallest building.