Black on Red: the Artworks of Xiaobai Su

Earlier in the year of 2010, the Langen Foundation in Germany organized a distinguished exhibition for the artist Xiaobai Su, entitled DIE DYNASTIE DER FARBEN, attracting more than a thousand prominent figures from the arts and cultural community around Europe, America, and Asia, to participate in its high-profile opening ceremony. Following the exhibition in Germany, the solo exhibition of Xiaobai Su at the Tina Keng Gallery this December, will also be an important affirmation in Asia.

 

The exhibition BLACK ON RED－THE ARTWORKS OF XIAOBAI SU  will present important works from Su, created in the last three years. The term “black on red” originates from the technique of Chinese lacquer. Xiaobai Su develops a new path of contemporary art through the technical experimentations of embossing and varnishing lacquer. The color expanse of red and black has often appeared in Su’s work. A simplistic composition of black and red contains richness in layers and texture. The work transcends the narrative nature of a description of specific images, reflecting a deeper, indescribable spirituality and pure aesthetics in simplified compositions.

 

 

Born in Wuhan, China, in 1949, Xiaobai Su successively studied at Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts and Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts in Germany, under the guidance of Masters such as Konrad Klapheck, Gerard Richter, and Markus Lupertz. During his studies in China, Xiaobai Su learned the techniques of traditional painting, accumulating his ability in expressive techniques; while in Germany, he strived to break away from these skills, and develop abstract symbols and a language rich in personal characteristics. Since 2002, Su has been experimenting with oils, lacquer, linen, and wood as a substitute for oil on canvas, positioning lacquer and linen in the structure of pure composition, adhering to the framework of solid expanses of red and black. As for the edges of his work, the seemingly arbitrary, yet deliberate handling reveals an artist’s pursuit in the depth of quality in his work.