Artist Profile: Xu DeQi
Xu DeQi was born in Jinan, China in 1964. He graduated from Shandong Normal University in 1991, and is currently a professor there.
Xu’s works are a blend of traditional Chinese realism, pop art and Western poster styling from the 1960’s and 1970’s. He brings modern eyes to view happenings in China and most of his paintings are upbeat and gaze at the future with passion, openness and hope.
Contrary to many peers, Xu actively embraces Mao, often depicting him smiling and accepting of China’s modernism and place in the world.
This embrace is equally reflected when icons such as Andy Warhol are depicted gazing back at Mao.
Apart from Mao and Andy Warhol, most of Xu’s subjects are female, and they gaze out at the world with unbridled passion and optimism. Proudly Chinese and secure in themselves as both people and women, they look at the world and want everything it has to offer.
Xu, however, is not blind to other changes happening in Chinese society. His subjects are clearly sexual beings in charge of their own bodies, and sometimes are moved by their darker emotions. He is a master at capturing the zeitgeist of contemporary China.
Xu’s works have been embraced by collectors and the public not just in China, but also in Europe and the U.S., where he has been part of shows including the Venice Biennale.
For Xu, much like Warhol, his art communicates not just social change, but a joyful and optimistic expression of change. Rather than shy-away from change, he embraces it. Unlike Warhol, Xu’s paintings do not look at the sense of drama and decay in society and the world, but tend instead to communicate happiness and a desire to live and have fun in a strong pop tone.
