Solo Exhibition ShanghART M50, Shanghai
徐赫：我谢谢你
Xu He: I Thank You
Opening: 2/22 16:00
Duration: 2/22 -4/6（Tues-Sat 11:00-18:00）
Location: ShanghART Gallery (M50)
Building 16, 50 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai
ShanghART M50 is delighted to present I Thank You, a solo exhibition by Xu He, showcasing his latest paintings. This exhibition marks Xu He’s first presentation at ShanghART Gallery, opening on February 22, 2025. Centered around a phrase that resonates across multiple linguistic and cultural contexts, this exhibition delves into the ruptures of contemporary society, the intricacies of collective psychology, and the alienation of the individual within the framework of globalization. Through shifting identities, complex linguistic expressions, the reconstruction of imagery, and the evolving influence of technology, the artist explores the delicate interplay between introspection and external perception; where meaning emerges from the fluid realm of imagination.
Xu He’s artistic practice is shaped by his cross-cultural background. Having studied at Minzu University of China and the Kunsthochschule Kassel in Germany, he draws from a diverse range of influences, integrating the Chinese aesthetic philosophy of “Qi Yun” (spiritual resonance) with the critical perspective of German Neo-Expressionism. His works are characterized by geometric, abstract, and grotesque forms, where sharp, forceful structures intersect with fluid, expressive brushstrokes, creating a distinctive balance between tension and liberation. Neither a replication of Western art history nor a nostalgic return to tradition, his practice seeks to transcend binary cultural narratives, critically reflecting on history while constructing visionary imagery.
Titled “I Thank You,” the exhibition references a formal expression of gratitude in German. While in Chinese, it carries subtle emotional nuances. A layered-semantics title highlights the inherent tensions and reconciliations present in artistic practice and social observation. It encapsulates Xu He’s profound exploration of the intricate relationships between multicultural integration, form and content, the individual and the times, as well as history and the future.
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