Wang Xuan (b. 1979, Guangxi) graduated from the Guangxi Art Institute in 2002. In 2011 he graduated from the National Academy of Plastic Arts in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he studied under Prof Erwin Gross, and received his Master’s degree. He currently lives and works in Munich, Germany.

Wang combines classic images from European and Chinese art with everyday items in his work. He mixes unrelated things in unexpected ways, making classical icons seem out of place and time. His style blends traditional art with a modern touch that might give the impression of mistakes but surprisingly creates a balanced effect. His images become more like symbols than specific messages. In doing so, Wang’s art focuses more on his personal expression rather than carrying deep, philosophical meanings.

Recent exhibitions include: “The Story of a Dream”, CLC Gallery Venture, Beijing, CN; “Echo of Light”,Blunt Soociety, Shanghai,China,2024;SCI-FI DOOMSDAY , LOST IN WONDERLAND (Part 4)”, Shekou Gallery x SWALLOW, Shenzhen, CN, 2024; “Xinkang Restaurant”, Blunt Society, Shanghai, CN, 2024; “Lichterstapel”, Imke Valentien Gallery,Stuttgart, DE, 2023; “START 22”, Goldberg Gallery, Munich, DE, 2022; “4a Biennale di Genova”, Genova, IT, 2021; “XUAN WANG. Gemalt”, St. Gertrude Gallery,Hamburg, DE, 2020; “Document”, Goldberg Gallery, Munich, DE, 2020; “In Auflosung ̈ ”, Germany Tuttlingen City Museum, DE, 2019, “GeSchichten”, Valentien Gallery, Stuttgart, DE, 2019; “Malerei auf Papier ”, Goldberg Gallery,Munich, DE, 2018; “Ratsel ̈ – Malerei auf Papier ”, St.Gertrude Gallery, Hamburg, DE, 2017; “reFORM”,National Museum of Baden,Stuttgart,DE, 2016; “Fragmente”, Kunststiftung Baden, Stuttgart,DE, 2015; “Invisible Cities”, Kunstmuseum Freiburg, DE, 2014; “China im Spiegel der Zeit – Kunst aus 5 Jahrtausenden”, Messmer Art Museum, DE, 2014. His works have been collected by private collectors in Europe, Asia and the US as well as by public institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Stuttgart, Germany, and the Kunsthalle, Tuttlingen, Germany.

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

After graduating from high school, I entered the Oil Painting Department at Guangxi Arts Institute, where I received four years of rigorous academic training. After graduation, I wanted to go to Germany, as I was deeply fascinated by German Expressionism at the time. In 2005, I began my studies at an art academy in Germany, where I continued to refine my artistic practice. After completing my studies, I became a professional artist.

Looking back, every failure I experienced has contributed to the development of my artistic practice. Those moments of setback became opportunities that taught me how to engage in a dialogue with both the world and history.

What are the main themes or concepts you explore in your work?

I juxtapose iconic imagery from classical European oil paintings and traditional Chinese art with ordinary, everyday objects. Through what I call an “indiscriminate placement,” I reorganize these unrelated elements to defamiliarize classical imagery and blur their historical context.

My works create an illusion—something that at first glance appears to be a “normal painting,” but upon closer inspection feels subtly “off.” The meticulous details, restrained use of materials, and the deliberate “absence” of brushstrokes invite viewers to question: Is this a damaged or misprinted reproduction?

Classical images from art history intertwine with still-life motifs, while the seemingly “malfunctioning” traces of paint along the edges appear absurd yet harmonious. These effects situate the depicted objects in a state of ambiguous eternity—a space that feels both chaotic and timeless.

How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated to create new works?

My motivation for creating art and exploring the spiritual world comes from my deep curiosity about world history and other fields of knowledge—such as astronomy and mysticism. I’m not particularly interested in whether or not I “have inspiration.” When ideas accumulate to a certain point, a new work naturally begins and continues until it reaches completion. If I find that I can no longer control it, I simply start over.

Could you describe a recent project or artwork that you are particularly proud of?

My recent solo exhibition, The Story of a Dream, is currently on view at CLC Gallery Venture in Beijing, where I am presenting a new body of work created over the past two years.

As an artist, what challenges do you face, and how do you overcome them?

My goal is never limited to the visual itself. I am constantly thinking about how to reveal what lies beyond the surface of imitation. This is the most difficult part to deal with. To me, the visual is more like a game—something arranged by chance—yet it sometimes points to things that cannot be described.

I believe the greatest challenge for an artist is to remain calm amid the overwhelming vortex of social and economic forces. What I must learn to do is to keep a certain distance.

What do you hope people take away from experiencing your artwork?

I hope viewers interpret my paintings in their own way. Each person perceives something different in my work, as my intention is to create illusions and provoke questions.

Art is constantly being defined, reconstructed, and transcended—both through the artist’s creative process and through the diverse ways in which viewers engage with it.

Text & images courtesy of Wang Xuan

Website: https://www.xuanwang.de/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xuan1wang/