Xiao Wang, a visionary Chinese artist residing in San Francisco, captivates audiences with his intriguing exploration of figurative realism through painting. His artwork draws inspiration from a diverse array of cultural influences, notably cult films, magical realism literature, and the nuanced world of symbolism. Wang’s paintings are a profound journey into the realm of tension and obscurity. By employing dramatic colors and delicate glazes, he creates a surreal confluence of realism and mystique. The vibrancy of his palette juxtaposed with the enigmatic aura of his subjects situates observers at the heart of a disrupted narrative, challenging perceptions of reality and fiction. Each piece brings forth characters caught at uncertain moments, evoking curiosity and introspection.
The creative process for Wang begins with an intricate blend of photographic manipulation and artistic intuition. By digitally altering photographs of real sites and models, he crafts the conceptual “sets” that form the backbone of his painted narratives. These meticulously built scenes serve as a canvas upon which his imagination unfurls, exploring themes of ambiguity and narrative disjunction. His art stands as a showcase of the evocative power of visual storytelling, where the boundaries between reality and the fantastical blur seamlessly. Wang’s work compels us to become active participants in decoding the layered stories woven into every brushstroke, leaving a profound impact that resonates long after one has stepped away from the canvas.
I use dramatic colors and thin glazes to render realistic figures, objects, and scenes that evoke a sense of mystery. I examine cult films, magical realism literature, and symbolist paintings to create imageries of tension and obscurity. These paintings feature characters at uncertain moments, situated in disrupted narratives. In these works, I source from photographs of sites and models, which I digitally manipulate to build “sets” to paint from.
Xiao Wang
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Booooooom).
