Interview: Shuai Xu
Luca Curci talks with Shuai Xu during VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, which took place in Venice at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Shuai Xu is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, whose work spans painting, land art, installation, sculpture, and mixed media projects. His artistic practice is centered on exploring the ethereal and often invisible aspects of the human experience, striving to bridge the gap between the intangible and the tangible through a poetic lens. Drawing significant inspiration from his dreams and the vastness of the cosmos, Shuai Xu delves into themes of infinity, connection, and the unseen forces that shape our reality. His fascination with the night sky and the subconscious landscapes of his dreams profoundly influence his creations, which aim not to depict dreams but to translate the essence of the unknown and unseen into tangible forms. Shuai Xu’s art is about making the invisible visible, connecting the dream world with reality, and offering viewers a glimpse into the infinite and poetic possibilities that lie beyond immediate perception.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Shuai Xu – I am an artist whose practice spans oil painting, installations, land art, and mixed media, driven by a deep curiosity about the relationship between human perception and the invisible forces shaping our reality. My work seeks to illuminate the intangible elements -natural forces, subconscious thoughts, and societal constructs – that profoundly influence our existence, inviting audiences to rethink their connection to the unseen. Through these explorations across various mediums, I strive to bridge the visible and invisible worlds, fostering a deeper awareness of the forces that shape our lives and our understanding of reality.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
SX – I am currently focused on exploring themes of lightness, transformation, and the complex interplay between the visible and invisible. My work investigates how unseen forces – be they natural, emotional, or societal – shape both our physical and metaphysical realities, inviting viewers to reflect on their subtle yet profound impact on the world.

LC – What are the three hashtags essential to define your poetics that you could not give up?
SX – The three hashtags that define my artistic poetics – #InvisibleWorld, #HumanPerception, and #ArtAndNature – encapsulate the essence of my creative journey and the themes that consistently resonate in my work. These concepts are deeply intertwined, forming the foundation of my exploration into the unseen forces that shape our existence, our perceptions, and our interactions with the natural world.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
SX – I find inspiration in the natural world, dreams, and human cosmology, domains that reveal the intricate interplay of visible and invisible forces shaping our existence. My artistic practice is rooted in observing and interpreting these unseen energies, which influence both the physical environment and the metaphysical realms of thought and perception. Ultimately, my inspiration lies in the subtle forces that connect us, to one another, to nature, and to the cosmos. Through my work, I aim to evoke reflection on these unseen dimensions of life and the broader universe.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
SX – Yes, my style has evolved over the years in its outward expression, but the essence of my creative motivations and inspirations has remained constant. While my work may seem to have undergone significant changes – exploring distinct series, mediums, techniques, and themes – this evolution reflects a natural progression rather than a departure from my foundational ideas. The threads of my artistic journey remain tied to my core interests: human perception, the invisible world, and the forces that shape our reality.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID Group can represent an opportunity for artists?
SX – Absolutely. ITSLIQUID GROUP offers a valuable platform for artists to expand their reach, gain visibility, and engage in a global dialogue about art and creativity. By showcasing diverse artistic voices, it fosters an environment where innovative ideas and unique visions can thrive. For artists, it’s not only an opportunity to present their work to an international audience but also to connect meaningfully with curators, collectors, and fellow creatives from around the world. One of ITSLIQUID GROUP’s most significant strengths lies in its ability to bridge geographical and cultural boundaries. Through exhibitions and events in prestigious venues, such as the Venice International Art Fair, the platform provides artists with the chance to showcase their work in spaces that attract influential figures in the art world. Such exposure can be transformative, opening doors to new collaborations, commissions, and critical recognition.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
SX – Yes, this month I am honored to collaborate with ITSLIQUID GROUP by participating in the Venice International Art Fair. It has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase my work and engage with a global audience in such a prestigious setting. I deeply appreciate the invitation to be part of this event, which has been both inspiring and enriching. I believe this is just the beginning of an exciting relationship, and I look forward to exploring more collaborations with ITSLIQUID GROUP in the future.