Oil on canvas

200 × 150 cm. 78 3/4 × 59 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated on bottom right; signed in Chinese, titled, and dated on the reverse

LITERATURE
2006, Running on Tranquilly, Chinablue Gallery, Beijing, p.48
EXHIBITED
22 Nov – 20 Dec 2006, Running on Tranquilly, Chinablue Gallery, Beijing

PROVENANCE
Chinablue Gallery, Beijing
23 Dec 2007, Hosane Shanghai Autumn Auction, Lot 95
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

The Unyielding Sparkle Within Illusions
The Kingdom of Xiong Yu's Chiaroscuro

"The characters I've created serve as symbolic expressions of my perception and impression of society. In my conceptualization, the realm of reality and the human psyche exist as parallel worlds."
——Xiong Yu

Born in 1975, Xiong Yu developed a passion for painting from an early age. After attending the Affiliated Middle School of Sichuan Fine Arts, Institute he obtained a master's degree in oil painting from the same academy in 2002. Shortly after, he was hired to teach at Sichuan University, where he currently holds the position of Director of the Painting Department and Gallery Director at the School of Arts. As a brilliant young artist, Xiong Yu held his first solo exhibition at the Yan Huang Art Museum in Beijing, establishing himself as a rising star of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. Like many in his 1970s age, Xiong Yu has been exposed to diverse cultural influences. Drawing inspiration from television, comics, capitalism, electronic culture, and internet popular culture, he combines portraiture, mythology, and the dramatic play of light and shadow found in mediaeval European painting. Since 2000, he has traversed time and created a unique series titled Angel in City constructing surreal painting reminiscent of "Zhuangzi's Dream of Butterfly." With a strong sense of futurism, he guides viewers through his painting world where reality and illusion intertwine, inviting contemplation on the profound meaning behind various imagery. His works have been collected by renowned institutions such as The São Paulo Museum of Art in Brazil, the He Xiangning Art Museum in Shenzhen, and the Wuhan Art Museum.

Drifting Untethered from the World

"The young gentlemen's contemplation on the essence of youth and their aspirations for a splendid future are delicately conveyed. The term 'Wings' is regarded as a symbol of their reluctance to be restrained, allowing them to detach themselves from any situation at will—a manifestation of their self-centeredness. This collection serves as an exemplary embodiment of Xiong Yu's creative initial stage."
——Cheng Nai-ming, CANS Art Magazine
Chief Editor

The presented artwork, Stroking Feathers, is an intimate portrayal of the iconic "Silverboy" within the artist's dreamlike realm. It stands as a representative piece from the early years of the artist's distinguished oeuvre. The composition predominantly embraces a translucent, frosted texture in silver-grey hues, exuding an electrifying and futuristic ambiance. While employing Western oil painting pigments, Xiong Yu skilfully incorporates Eastern ink wash techniques such as dotting, pressing, and blending, depicting the protagonist's metallic "Cyberpunk" aesthetic, as showcased in the intricate folds of his turtleneck bodysuit. This captivates viewers, drawing them into an enigmatic, unfamiliar space. Unexpected beams of light, akin to spotlights, converge upon the boy's chest, becoming a dazzling and substantial presence, accentuating the two metaphorical wings that captivate attention behind him. These wings symbolize his yearning for freedom, creating an aura of mystery and restrained allure. A solitary feather gracefully descends in the centre, whispering the trace of time. Seven hands appear from the canvas, intertwining in a way that conveys both longing to touch the youngster and an allusion to the world of desire and temptation. This scene embodies the bustling pursuit of ambitions while also hinting at the allure of external enticements in our restless contemporary society. The protagonist possesses a slender cheek, a straight nose bridge, a delicate neck, and exaggeratedly wide, slightly narrowed eyes that exude a hazy gaze. His right hand hangs lightly, while his left hand gently supports it, with slightly lifted fingers, resembling a noble and dignified gentleman. His eyes convey tranquillity and speak of an unwavering conviction deep within his heart. The vibrant and translucent complexion, tinged with a rosy luminescence, stands out amidst the interplay of layered lights and shadows, steadfastly gazing upon the restless commotion before him, showcasing the protagonist's rationality, as if saying, "While all are intoxicated, I alone remain sober." With delicate brushstrokes and soft hues, the artist eloquently narrates the mundane aspects of the world, juxtaposing them against the noble composure of the protagonist, thus creating a compelling contrast that portrays the conflict between ideals and reality. Xiong Yu, deriving inspiration from the Angel in City rooted in reality, encourages individuals to break free from the shackles of the real world and forge a connection between their imaginative selves and the fervour of youth, thereby crafting a narrative that intertwines romance and lucidity.

Price estimate:
HKD 100,000 – 200,000
USD 12,800 – 25,600