As a native of Beijing, grew up surrounded by the historical and cultural ambiance of the city’s central axis near the Forbidden City. The profound heritage of this area shaped her artistic foundation. From the red walls of the Forbidden City to the alleys of Beijing’s hutongs, from traditional stone lions to the timeless charm of courtyard houses, these iconic symbols of Beijing have become integral to her work, embodying her affection for her hometown and her reflections on cultural inheritance.
She often jokes that international celebrities visiting Beijing are like “cultural tourists,” becoming part of the city’s narrative through her lens. In 2017, she created a striking photographic series with basketball superstar LeBron James. Known as the "Lion," James naturally reminded Chen Man of the majestic bronze lions guarding the Forbidden City. Drawing inspiration from the idea of a "lion ball," she captured a rare, radiant moment of laughter from James—a smile that exuded both powerful dignity and approachable warmth. The lion featured alongside him symbolized her tribute to her childhood memories of Beijing. She vividly recalls how, during the Cultural Revolution, many traditional stone lions in front of courtyard homes were removed, leaving behind empty pedestals. This sense of loss deeply influences her artistic expression.
Chen Man’s creations go beyond visual aesthetics; they delve into cultural and energetic explorations. During a visit to Beijing’s central axis with Apple CEO Tim Cook, she described the Zhengyangmen (The Gate of Positive Energy) as a symbol of transforming negative energy into positive forces. This philosophy resonates in her art, such as the image of a laughing lion. Its unbridled joy recalls a scene from a Hayao Miyazaki animation, where collective laughter chases away fears. This laughter transcends mere emotion, embodying the wisdom of “letting go” and embracing life’s positivity. In Chen Man’s lens, tradition intertwines with modernity, negativity evolves into hope, and her work ultimately captures an uplifting spirit, reflecting the vibrant life force beneath Beijing’s deep cultural roots.