Xiao Yu, Loose Form, 2017; Mixed techniques printmaking, 64.5x73cm
Art Experience Gallery is honored to present “Traces”, the first Hong Kong solo exhibition of renowned Chinese conceptual artist Xiao Yu. This is the artist’s first exhibition at Art Experience Gallery, will present a series of eight life-themed printmaking art that applied mixed techniques and mediums.
In these latest works, Xiao Yu develops a unique visual language that he experiments and borrows from multiple traditional printmaking techniques. The artist continues to respond as an individual to life, which has always been the main discussion in his art practice, from installations, paintings, videos, performance arts to his recent printmaking works. These works carry the spirit of oriental aesthetics in a subtle and elegant manner, raised questions about the relation between humans and our existing world, and let audiences to think of their own situations. As in works Restraint and Restraint No.1, the artist dismantled the used brakes and transferred the delicate details of the worn out brake pads onto paper, the narrative speaks of one’s conscious of self-restraint, awakes the need to review our own thoughts and desires when living in this fast-paced world of rapid growth and acceleration. His other works document the intimate details of living form: the slides of bamboo inscribed the evolvement of growth and written in the manner of calligraphy on paper, gracefully display the natural shape of life; these organic materials recorded the traces of living, meanwhile, the artist uses linen strings as his paints to illustrate abstract scenarios, and leaves room for the viewers’ imagination.
Xiao Yu, Loose Scene, 2017; Mixed techniques printmaking, 95x73.5cm
Xiao Yu, Restraint, 2015; Mixed techniques printmaking, 76x56cm
The artist borrows the dialogue of printmaking to transfer the realistic details of chosen medium, where these traces are being truthfully documented and reappear on paper, in order to make visual contact with the viewers. Unlike the essence of traditional printmaking work, these works do not aim for an outcome of repetition or consistency.
The organic pattern in his poetic works honestly reveals the secret paths of life, where the artist presents and suggests a reflected image for individuals’ self-observation. With an exquisite sensibility and aesthetic shows in his works, Xiao Yu expresses his sincere respect and gratitude in a humble manner to life itself.
Xiao Yu, There is a Leopard Inside Everyone of Us, 2017; Mixed techniques printmaking, 77x107.5cm
Xiao Yu, The Stacks of Growth, 2016; Mixed techniques printmaking art, 89x120cm
About the exhibition
Exhibition Duration: 11 March – 29 April 2017
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday I 11am – 6pm
Opening Reception: 11 March 2017 I 3 – 6pm (*Artist Present)
Venue: Art Experience Gallery
Courtesy of the artist and Art Experience Gallery.
