In a dramatic personal announcement that has captivated the art world and public alike, renowned Chinese painter Fan Zeng, aged 87, has revealed the birth of his only biological son while simultaneously cutting off all relations with his other children. This move has thrust a long-simmering family conflict back into the spotlight.
A Titan of Art and His Legacy
Fan Zeng is widely celebrated as a colossal figure in contemporary Chinese art. His artistic legacy is not just cultural but also immensely valuable in financial terms. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), his works have generated a staggering more than four billion yuan (over US$567 million) at auctions between 2008 and 2024. Impressively, more than ten of his individual paintings have each sold for over 10 million yuan. A standout piece from 1991 fetched 18.4 million yuan at a Beijing auction in 2011.
Beyond his celebrated paintings, Fan is also held in high esteem for his calligraphy. His script commands prices of approximately 200,000 yuan (US$28,000) per 0.11 square metre. His artworks have been displayed globally and continue to see robust demand from collectors worldwide.
Marriage, New Life, and a Public Split
Fan Zeng has maintained a prominent public profile in recent years, a focus that intensified after his marriage to Xu Meng in April last year. Xu, a former China Traffic Broadcasting presenter who is 50 years younger than the artist, first met Fan while working as his assistant. The painter has publicly acknowledged her care and support for aiding his recovery from past illnesses.
The family dynamics, however, are complex. Before marrying Xu, Fan had been married three times. His second marriage resulted in the birth of his daughter, Fan Xiaohui. His third marriage brought two stepchildren who later adopted his surname.
On December 11, Fan made the pivotal announcement regarding his new son with Xu Meng and shared that the family had moved into a new home. He declared that Xu would now manage all family affairs. In a decisive and public break, he confirmed he had formally severed all ties with his other children.
Escalating Feud and Serious Allegations
Fan Zeng did not stop at merely announcing the separation. He went further to cancel all permissions and agreements previously granted to his other children, warning them against using his name in any future ventures.
Signs of strain within the family have been visible for some time. Back in August, his daughter Fan Xiaohui claimed she was unable to contact her father and alleged that Xu Meng was exerting undue control over him. She also made a serious accusation, claiming that Xu had secretly sold Fan's artworks valued at around 2 billion yuan (US$280 million). These claims were later rejected by Fan's company, which labelled them as completely baseless.
This latest chapter, blending the joy of a new birth with the harsh finality of severed familial bonds, underscores the intense personal drama surrounding one of China's most revered cultural icons. It raises questions about legacy, influence, and the private struggles behind a very public life.
