Artist Xilong Liu
Congratulations to Xilong Liu for earning his place as a Finalist in the Boynes Emerging Artist Award 7th Edition!
Who are you?
Born in 1990 in Guangdong, China. Since graduation from university, I have been engaged in art research and creation in my spare time.
“Untitled”
Newspaper Mix
By Xilong Liu
What inspired you to utilize collage as a medium?
I was inspired by old billboards outdoors.
“Picasso”
Newspaper Mix
By Xilong Liu
How would you describe your work?
In creation, a single portrait is the main object of expression. It breaks away from the traditional brushwork and pigment expression, and pays more attention to the shape and details of the characters. With modern materials (newspapers) and pure techniques (tearing), the principle of simplicity, directness and power runs through the whole process. Let the original composition in the newspaper be interspersed and interlaced virtually, so that the picture is very clever. In the characterization, it presents both the times and the traditional concrete flavor.
“Yuan Longping”
Newspaper Mix
By Xilong Liu
Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind "Tu youyou"?
Newspapers and social and cultural events that have "weight" are also what we call news/social and cultural events. These are all the transmission of life, and this series of portraits also have "weight" transmission. However, "Tu Youyou" is a scientist, and the appearance of the character is very suitable for artistic creation.
“Tu Youyou”
Newspaper Mix
By Xilong Liu
Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating "tu youyou"?
Tu Youyou is a Chinese pharmacist. The discovery of artemisinin, the drug can effectively reduce the mortality of malaria patients. She became the first Chinese native scientist to win the Nobel Prize for Science.
What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?
The painting forms are diverse. It is not necessary to paint with traditional pigments. Daily waste paper and newspapers can also be created as a medium. I hope to inspire the audience that newspapers can still play like this.
Have you experimented with other mediums?
Yes, I have experimented with ink and wash.
“Maternal Love”
Newspaper Mix
By Xilong Liu
Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?
Sticking newspaper will cause wrinkles and bulges, and the unevenness will affect the picture. So how to make newspaper stickers more smooth is a technical problem.
Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?
So far, the greatest success has broken through the previous technical skills of painting and the feeling of painting.
Can you tell something you wish you had known before or when you began your career that would have really helped?
How to do a good job. It is more about how to reflect the painting itself, and how to learn from the art masters.
“Boy Born In The Year Of The Ox”
Ink And Wash
By Xilong Liu
What projects are you working on currently?
At present, we are doing murals on the walls of dilapidated houses outdoors
What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?
Create portraits on large ruins. Stick on the waste paper and tear out the characters. Or hold a personal exhibition
As a finalist, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?
Expand promotion and publicity.
“Mother And Son”
Ink And Wash
By Xilong Liu
Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists/photographers, what is your advice?
Do what you feel in your heart, and learn the thinking and works of excellent artists. Good things and good works should be learned with a lower mind. Have an inclusive attitude.