Born into a renowned Beijing artist family in 1964, Shao Fan received his first painting instruction during the Cultural Revolution, from parents who were university art professors assigned to paint Mao Zedong propaganda. His sister Shao Fei is also a well known Chinese artist. Shao Fan graduated from the Beijing Arts and Crafts College in 1984. Beginning to paint professionally in 1989, Shao’s passion remained rooted in three-dimensional art, which eventually led to the creation of objects that integrate both art and design. His work is part of the permanent collection of the V&A in London.