Xie Lei | Nachleben

21 June - 29 July 2023

Overview

We can confidently approach the exhibition titled "NACHLEBEN" as a manifestation of Xie Lei's artistic growth and diverse intellectual curiosity, this time referencing the concept of reframing introduced by Aby Warburg in his profound work. Warburg’s "Nachleben" bears witness to the secret life of visual perception in art, where images are transcending their original context, evolving through time, cultures, and artistic interpretations. Xie breathes life into his works as he navigates along the shores of this idea on his own terms, as we can observe in Vienna at Galerie Kandlhofer.

Warburg developed the concept of "Nachleben" to explore how images, motifs, and themes from the past continue to resonate and influence artistic production in the present. For Xie Lei, the concept of "Nachleben" endows him with a distant mirror image when dealing with the interplay between literature, Eastern and Western artistic traditions, contemporary art practices, and more. By delving into the afterlife of cultural elements such as symbols, narratives, and aesthetic principles, Xie explores how previous art forms and literary sources have been reinterpreted, transformed, or revived in contemporary art. This research provides him with the inventiveness to create new works that reflect a synthesis of traditional and contemporary influences. Furthermore, the concept of "Nachleben" assists Xie in understanding the broader cultural and intellectual context in which he works, developing a deeper and multi-layered comprehension, especially when working in the realm of visual arts.

Throughout the exhibition "Nachleben," Xie Lei draws inspiration from various sources, including ancient Chinese narratives and iconic European paintings, integrating them with his own personal experiences and reflections. In doing so, he raises questions about the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of globalization, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the possibilities of cultural exchange and mutual influence. By merging cultural issues and Western art historical references, Xie invites viewers to contemplate the complex dynamics between cultures and the evolving nature of contemporary art, which sometimes evolves in unexpected directions.

Excerpt of an essay by Christian Dominguez

Works

Press release

Intersections between Eastern and Western art have existed for centuries and have had a significant impact on the development of art in both worlds. Notable periods and locations of such intersections include the ancient Silk Road, Islamic Art during the Medieval Period, the Renaissance in Europe, Japonisme in the 19th century, and, of course, modern and contemporary art. As mentioned earlier, Xie Lei derives inspiration from incorporating elements from both Eastern and Western cultural heritages. However, he goes beyond mere incorporation and explores the progressive and crucial concept of artistic hybridity. By interconnecting these influences, he creates a contemporary visual language that reflects the complexity and diversity of contemporary society.

When approaching the works presented in this exhibition, we must not forget that we are also dealing with a phenomenological universe. By immersing ourselves in this ecosystem of works by Xie, we can observe how they illuminate each other, just as light seems to emanate from each individual work. This is clearly how we come to understand some of the things that truly interest Xie. Let's take a closer look at a couple of paintings. First, there is "PREDICTION," an image depicting an apparent shamanistic scene. A lush forest lies behind a designated bonfire location, which holds great significance and is considered a powerful tool of transformation, catharsis, and a gateway to a non-material world. It represents a journey into altered states of consciousness, where an otherworldly light glows intensively on the shaman’s hand. He conveys his inner energy while connecting with the forces of nature. Another person floats already, thanks to the shaman’s spirituality and wisdom, free from the conventional laws of physics, traveling from one realm to the next. In this painting, we contemplate traditional color combinations juxtaposed with others that are unconventional. The varying proportions of green, yellow, and orange are layered to create textures and depth. Xie may believe that these colors hold special significance in representing the interplay between nature, spirituality, and human emotions. He also experiments with blending techniques and juxtaposing textures to create interesting interactions of color and shape. The visual experience is both captivating and thought-provoking, evoking the radically innovative musical composition "The Rite of Spring" by the Russian genius Igor Stravinsky. The dynamic and energetic visual composition of the painting captures the raw energy and primal rhythms of Stravinsky's groundbreaking music.

Now, let's turn our attention to "PROTECTION." The central focus of this almost monochromatic green group portrait painting is a male figure who holds two children, one on each side. The faces of all three figures are intentionally blurred, creating a sense of ubiquity and anonymity. By doing so, the artist allows viewers to project their own explanations and emotions onto the painting. The use of green color brings to mind connections to nature and growth, symbolizing continuation, harmony, and relief. The overall emotional quality evokes a feeling of calmness. Xie employs a contrast of fine and strong brushstrokes, generating a powerful interplay of textures and visual differences that add depth and complexity to the painting. We can also interpret the varying brushstrokes and subtle chromatic differences as suggesting different forms of protection, some delicate and others strong. Additionally, we can interpret the painting as representing the universal instinct of protecting future generations. All of these interpretations invite us to explore the numerous layers of meaning that Xie's works suggest. They also serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of art and its capacity to transcend time and space.

Xie Lei's paintings may present considerable difficulties when it comes to interpretation. Attempting to decipher their hidden meaning can be frustrating. Nevertheless, we should remember that a visual poet like Xie Lei primarily uses ambiguity to convey meaning. If asked, he would likely answer that his images do not symbolize anything specific. By expressing himself in this manner he intends for us to see and understand that an image is truly symbolic when it implies something beyond its immediate meaning. It carries a broader unconscious intention that allows our minds to explore ideas beyond reason. However, it is important to note that the images and ideas in his paintings certainly evoke reverberations of all the distinct aspects mentioned above in this text. This does not mean his artistic vision is restricted to these appearances alone. It occupies a larger space than what is evident. Xie Lei does not limit himself to direct correlations when it comes to his art.

Text by Christian Dominguez

Installation Views