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Xu Shuai is an artist based in Los Angeles, United States. His work focuses on the exploration of the invisible world, which encompasses the realms of dreams, subconsciousness, different dimensions, and the universe. He employs various mediums and forms of expression, such as oil painting, installations, and land art, to investigate the relationship between human perception and the universe.
Xu, your work delves into the realms of dreams, subconsciousness, and different dimensions. Can you share how your interest in the invisible world began and how it continues to influence your artistic practice?
My interest in the invisible world began with a profound personal experience. I had an extraordinarily vivid dream that transcended the boundaries of reality, prompting me to ponder the mysterious power of dreams and the subconscious. As I grew older, I developed a keen interest in psychology, mysticism, and quantum physics—fields that explore realms beyond human perception.
This interest has deeply influenced my artistic practice. I believe that art is one of the avenues for exploring the invisible world. Through creation, I can materialize those feelings and concepts that cannot be expressed in words. I enjoy using various mediums such as oil painting, installations, and land art to present the visions from dreams and the subconscious, inviting viewers into a space beyond reality to experience and contemplate those unseen but very real dimensions.
The circle frequently appears in your work as a representation of the invisible world. How did you come to adopt the circle as a central motif, and what does it symbolize for you in the context of the cyclical nature of life and the universe?
Circles have always fascinated me as an ancient and universal symbol. When I first started creating these works, I often dreamed of spherical shapes floating in my dreams. This shape, with no beginning and no end, perfectly represents the infinity and eternity of the invisible world.
In my work, circles symbolize the cyclic nature of life and the universe. They not only represent the passage of time and natural cycles but also a pursuit of inner peace and wholeness. By using circles, I aim to convey a sense of harmony and continuity, reminding viewers that we are all part of a greater whole and that everything is interconnected.
The choice of circles also reflects my interest in Eastern philosophy. In Taoism and Buddhism, the circle is seen as a microcosm of the universe, representing the essence of the invisible and eternal truth. This deeply resonates with my exploration and expression of the invisible world.
Circles in my art are not just visual elements but spiritual symbols. They help me convey concepts that cannot be expressed in words, inviting viewers into a world full of infinite possibilities.
You draw inspiration from both ancient and contemporary human cosmologies. Can you elaborate on how these influences shape your visual language and contribute to the unique depiction of the world in your art?
My inspiration comes from both ancient and contemporary human understandings of the cosmos. These worldviews are not only the culmination of science and philosophy but also deep reflections on the meaning of our existence and the nature of the universe.
Ancient cosmologies, such as those from Chinese Taoism and Indian Buddhism, have profoundly influenced me. The Taoist philosophy of "wu wei" (non-action) and harmony with nature, along with the Buddhist concepts of emptiness and impermanence, have guided my thinking about the relationship between humans and the universe. In my works, I often use circles, curves, and natural elements to convey an inner sense of harmony and balance.
Contemporary cosmologies, like quantum physics and astronomy, have also significantly shaped my visual language. Quantum physics reveals the microscopic world of matter, with its uncertainties and interactions between particles, providing me with new insights into the nature of reality. Astronomy, by exploring the vastness of the universe and the workings of galaxies, inspires my thoughts on time and space. These scientific discoveries push me to use abstract and non-linear forms of expression in my art, creating works that are both mysterious and logical.
By combining ancient and contemporary cosmologies, my artwork aims to build a bridge connecting the past and the future, tradition and modernity. I hope that through my visual language, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own existence, experience the vastness and mystery of the universe, and recognize the profound connection between ourselves and the cosmos.
These diverse cosmologies have not only shaped my artistic style but also helped me find a unique perspective in my creations. My works are an exploration of the universe and a search for human self-understanding, aiming to reveal the ties between the unseen world and our daily lives.
Your art often blurs the boundaries between the visible and the invisible, inviting viewers to contemplate the enigmatic. How do you achieve this effect in your oil paintings and installations, and what do you hope viewers will take away from this experience?
My artwork often blurs the boundaries between the visible and the invisible, inviting viewers to contemplate mysterious phenomena. I achieve this effect in both my oil paintings and installations through various techniques.
In our daily lives, dreams, the subconscious, and human perception are invisible and intensely private, yet they genuinely exist in our reality. Just as I dream of circular spheres floating in my dreams, there are no strong boundaries separating reality from the void, allowing us to explore the invisible world.
Through these methods, I hope viewers can transcend the surface visual experience and delve into the unseen but real aspects of life. I want them to feel an inner connection and realize that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg, with more truths hidden in the invisible realms.
Your installations and land art pieces create a dialogue between man-made and natural environments. Can you discuss the significance of situating your land art in remote locations and how this setting enhances the viewer's contemplation of wholeness and unity?
A crucial aspect of placing my land art in open spaces is to make my work visible to the invisible world. This act symbolizes an invitation to the unseen forces and dimensions that shape our reality, inviting them to witness and interact with my creations. It reflects my belief in the interconnectedness of the visible and invisible, bridging the gap between reality and the unknown.
By placing land art in remote, open spaces, I aim to create an experience that transcends traditional boundaries. I hope to evoke a sense of reverence for nature and inspire viewers to consider their place within the larger tapestry of existence. Through these works, I strive to foster a deeper appreciation for the unity and wholeness that bind us to the natural world and the unseen forces beyond.
Interviewer: ZIN
More info:
Website: https://www.shuai-xu.com/
Online exhibition: https://www.jaamzin.com/xu-shuai
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