Blossoming Flowers Bring Prosperity- Lust for Worldly Desires-No.1 and No. 2 by Hui Xin, Diameter 150cm
Born in Xinjiang, Chinese artist Hui Xin is renowned for using the airbrush technique to produce vivid, graphic-like works which incorporate Oriental imagery and themes. AERIS explores the inspiration behind his most recent series “Beauty in the eye of the beholder,” which was exhibited at Hong Kong’s Connoisseur Contemporary, and delves into his philosophy about art’s “place” in society. Not one to convey controversial or political messages, Hui Xin’s paintings evoke a sense of happiness, carrying sentiments from his own childhood and his observations of modern China and serve as a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.
Cupid by Hui Xin, 190cmx160cm
What was your inspiration behind this series?
I paint what makes me happy, and the theme of the exhibition is about happiness and simple pleasures in life. For specific examples, “Lovebirds in the Garden” and “Cupid” were inspired by western-themed sculptures in residential developments and parks in China. I grew up looking at such sculptures and chose to paint two which are found in the Louvre Museum. The tiger idea came to me because of my family – a few of them were born in the year of the Tiger, including my 3-year-old daughter. I painted the two round happy pigs because I like pigs. If I were to choose between being an unhappy human being or a happy pig*, I would choose the latter. (*based on John Stuart Mill’s quote in his book Utilitarianism “it is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied”)
Lovebirds in the garden by Hui Xin, 220x185cm
Pearls are present in several of the paintings- what do they represent?
The pearls give a sense of happiness and bliss. They are not too expensive like diamonds, so still attainable by most people.
We love the islands of China by Hui Xin, 100x100cm
What connection does ‘We love the islands of China’ bear to your own upbringing in Xinjiang?
I love the sea but Xinjiang is the furthest point from any sea so as a child I’ve always dreamt about the sea and wish I could be near the sea. So I wanted to paint about the islands and the sea. The porcelain figurines belong to my father-in-law and they represent something familiar from childhood so it’s very nostalgic to me.
Personally I do not want my paintings to reveal messages that make people uncomfortable. Even if there are, I am willing to conceal them. This does not mean I harbour negative views towards such a practice. I just do not think using a painting to say something is a good idea, nor the most effective way. I agree with *Hegel¹s philosophy that the purpose of art is for art, because in my opinion, art is not at a high position in relation to the entire society. I believe it is better to be simpler. I hope to spread happiness through my work. (* Hegel’s Aesthetics)
With thanks to Connoisseur Contemporary, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong
http://www.connoisseurcontemporary.com
+852 3521 0300
