Interview with Xize Xu
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
During my university years, I won a singing competition, which led to an invitation from the school band to join as the lead vocalist. This marked the beginning of my journey as a singer. Without formal musical training, I began to adapt and reinterpret songs, incorporating a significant amount of improvisation. Singing evolved from mere performance into a vital form of self-expression.
After graduation, I worked in the artist management department of China’s largest film company. This role provided me with opportunities to explore portrait photography, rekindling my love for capturing moments through the lens. As my skills and experience matured, I transitioned from simply capturing backstage moments to becoming a creator of visual narratives, akin to how I used improvisation to convey emotions in my singing.
Recognizing the potential of my combined skills, I sought to explore different avenues of self-expression. Despite lacking formal art education, I applied to the sculpture programme at the Royal College of Art to venture into new creative territories.
I am pleased that my journey as a multimedia artist continues to be one of exploration. I am currently learning to work with sound and moving images, and I hope to master more mediums to express my ideas with greater freedom and without constraints.
2. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
As a photographer who focuses on capturing nature, I have a deep passion for film photography. This might be partly due to my ADHD, which often causes me to forget details quickly, so I rely on photographs to record the beautiful moments of life. The process of developing film allows me to relive those unforgettable moments when I scan the negatives—it feels like a gift to myself.
At the same time, I am a devoted follower of nature. My work is filled with images of the sea, mountains, and trees—elements that bring me a profound sense of healing. To me, nature is the ultimate remedy for all problems, offering peace and solace. Through sharing my nature photography, I hope to help others see and appreciate the beauty and restorative power of the natural world.
3. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
Art is a remedy for my life. As someone who often feels a sense of nihilism, art has transformed me into an existential explorer, motivating me to discover and appreciate the beauty in life. Therefore, my artistic life not only supports other aspects of my life but also serves as a sanctuary that helps me navigate through life's challenges.
4. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
As an LGBTQ+ artist from East Asia who has lived with ADHD for over twenty years, I often feel misunderstood and constrained by societal norms. This sense of "instability" and "marginality" has brought me a great deal of pain, but it has also become a significant source of inspiration for my art. I believe that my identity has brought me closer to others who live on the margins of society, allowing me to hear and feel their voices more deeply.
These daily struggles have, in fact, nourished my artistic life. I express my emotions and soothe myself through art, whether it be singing, photography, poetry, or creating installations to realize my ideas. These creative activities have helped me grow stronger and become a better person.
5. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
During my time at the Royal College of Art, I had the privilege of having a tutorial with the artist Lina Lapelytė. I greatly admire her work, especially Sun & Sea (Marina), which was featured at the Venice Biennale. She is an incredibly talented artist, and during our discussion, she provided sharp insights into the characteristics of my work and offered valuable advice on how to continue developing it. This experience was incredibly enriching and unforgettable.
6. Share your worst experience in the art world.
I arrived in London at the end of August 2023, and I have just completed my first year here. This year has been a profound experience of navigating the cultural differences between East and West, as well as a great opportunity to explore my own identity. As an outsider, I have constantly felt a sense of disconnection while adapting to this new social structure. Being a marginalized individual, I also experienced unprecedented loneliness and depression. However, after several months, I managed to emerge from this dark period. As my course came to an end, so did my negative emotions. Although it was a difficult time, it is now part of my past.
7. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I recently graduated from the Sculpture department at the Royal College of Art, and I am currently looking for work while continuing my artistic practice. Before pursuing my master's degree, I had three years of work experience, including working in the talent management department at China’s largest film company, as well as experience as a photographer. Therefore, I plan to continue my career as both an artist and a photographer.
Website: https://xizexu.com/