Jianwei Wu

Courtesy of the artist and ARC.

FWSD Award and Third Place Portraiture in the 18th International ARC Salon® online exhibition;

17th & 18th International ARC Salon® Exhibition at Sotheby's New York, July 17-27, 2026.

Art Renewal Center, International Realism: 17th & 18th International ARC Salons (Woodbridge, UK: ACC Art Books Ltd, 2026), p. 89, illustrated.

“Fragrance of Books II portrays a young East Asian girl in a vivid crimson dress standing quietly by a window, holding an open book. Her gentle gaze reaches beyond the window, as if lost in reflection. With refined realism, the artist masterfully captures the interplay of textures— from the rich sheen of silk to the delicate edges of the book’s pages. The soft light streaming in enhances the painting’s tranquil atmosphere, symbolizing the illumination of the mind through knowledge.

This work embodies the grace and introspection of the Eastern feminine spirit, while conveying a timeless theme: the nurturing power of literature. The girl’s poised expression evokes a sense of inner peace and intellectual curiosity. Elegant and contemplative, the painting weaves traditional aesthetics with contemporary sensibility, offering a quiet tribute to the enduring beauty of reading and cultural heritage.” – Jianwei Wu