XU HE

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 characterised 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.