Xue Ruozhe was born in Jiangsu Province. After graduated from the Oil Painting Department of China Central Academy of Fine Arts, they continued their study in the Painting Programme of Royal College of Art, and obtained their master’s degree in 2015. They are the award winner of the Neville Burston Prize, Gordon Luton Prize for Fine Art, and the Tom Bendheim Prize, also the recipient of China National Scholarship. They were shortlisted for the Sovereign Asian Art Prize in 2022. Xue currently lives and works in Beijing and Guangzhou.

Using painting as their main artistic approach, Xue’s works explore the re-contextualization and re-enchantment of figurative painting in contemporary media ecology, in the rift between painting and imagery, painting and its own history. Underneath the restrained pictorial narrative are Xue’s hints about what has yet to be presented or is about to happen. Working with a highly restricted methodology, Xue pushes the psychological density of their paintings to the limit, the reality is then distorted by constant subtraction until the paintings reach a state of suspension and stagnation.

In recent years, their works focus on exploring the boundary of reality.

Can you tell us about your background and how you started your artistic journey?

I started my BA at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, followed by the postgraduate course at the Royal College of Art in London. Shortly after graduating, I was fortunate to have my first solo exhibition with Beijing Art Now Gallery, marking the beginning of my career.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new work?

I am aware of things around me, and I keep learning.

How has your artistic style evolved over time?

My artistic practice initially focused on conceptual art, which later evolved into conceptual painting. Over time, I transitioned to my current approach on discussion around painting.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?

To suddenly get an idea that I like, and be able to realise it.

What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

Every new painting is a challenge, not sure if I have overcomed them, I like to raise questions, not to solve them.

In what ways do you think the art world has changed since you started your career?

Some people disappeared and some people appears.

Text & photo courtesy of Xue Ruozhe

Website: http://www.xueruozhe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruozhe/