The image of these works was tattooed onto my brain when I saw them at in exhibition recently. The artist, Ah Xian, combines traditional Chinese decorative arts with the western portraiture tradition of sculpted busts, and in the "flesh" they are breathtakingly beautiful. No wonder Xian was awarded the National Sculpture Prize.
Human human - Lotus
Cloisonne figure 1 2000-01
Hand-beaten copper, finely enamelled in the cloisonne technique
158 x 55.5 x 32cm
Xian immigrated to Australia from China in 1990, and, while struggling as an artist he worked as a housepainter and kitchen hand, all the while reflecting on the artistic traditions of his homeland. In 1998 he traveled to the Jingdezhen in China, the centre of porcelain production during the Ming dynasty where he collaborated with a number of bemused but accomplished local artisans. Using their technical skills he created casts of family and friends using traditional Chinese methods. While the works were produced in China, Xian’s time in Australia was instrumental to their creation.
"If I had not come to Australia I would not have had the idea. It was only after a few years in Australia that I had a better perspective on China."
There’s quite a high representation of Chinese bits and pieces in my apartment (ancestor painting, cork sculpture, tableware, pillow book lamp thing amongst others) so a beautiful porcelain, lacquer or cloisonné enamel bust would look quite great in my living room. Unfortunately my budget won’t quite stretch to the $40,000 each works costs. I also entertained fantasies about the time when I’m a wealthy art patron and commission my own bust, however Xian says that Chinese features are less pronounced and better suited to porcelain. Shame about my pointy nose.
China China - Bust 71
(detail) 2002
porcelain
36.0 x 42.0 x 23.0 cm
China China - Bust 66
(detail) 2002
polychrome enamel on porcelain
34.5 x 39.0 x 22.0 cm
China, China - Bust 35
1999
porcelain with underglaze cobalt-blue; bird and flower design
39 x 40 x 21 cm
Human human - lotus
cloisonne figure 1 2000-01
Hand-beaten copper, finely enamelled in the cloisonne technique
158 x 55.5 x 32cm
China China Bust 36
China China Bust 36 - detail
China China Bust 14
Human Human Dragon
More information
China Reconfigured: The Art of Ah Xian
Queensland Art Gallery
More Than Human
China, China: recent works in porcelain by Ah Xian
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