Shi Xinning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shi Xinning (born 1969, Liaoning Province, China) is a painter based in Beijing.
He has shown work internationally in many exhibitions including “Mahjong” at the Kunstmuseum [1] in Bern, “China Art Now” at Marella Gallery [2] in Milan, “China Contemporary Painting” at Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio [3] in Bologna and “Landscapes” at the Shanghai Gallery of Art [4]. He is represented by Marella Gallery [5] in Beijing and Milan and Shine Art Space in Shanghai.
Trained in China, Shi Xinning’s paintings are influenced by both social realism and European styles. Using the authoritative qualities of both, Shi embarks on history painting with a twist. Taking his imagery from iconic press photos, Shi’s canvases faithfully represent the world as we know it: the Yalta Conference in familiar 1940s sepia tone, the Queen Mother in carriage emblazoned in newspaper black and white. It’s only on second glance that Shi’s alterations become evident. Nestled between Churchill and FDR and conversing happily with royalty, Mao takes his place amongst the great leaders of the 20th century.
In China-fying history, Shi investigates dynamics of both the west’s Eurocentric, and China’s isolationist past world views. Humorously illustrating the Chairman’s import and omnipresence in 20th century Chinese society Shi’s insertion of Mao into the fabric of western collective conscience seems entirely plausible. Infusing the totems of propaganda currency with a sense of normality and humility, Shi re-authors the most cherished moments of collective memory with a ‘Forrest Gump’ effect, creating a specious mythology based in Hollywood schmaltz and unabashed optimism.
