Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xingrui Xu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Xingrui, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I must admit, happiness is not always present, and of course, this is relative. Most of the time, being an artist involves suffering, a constant struggle with uncertainty. I worry about society and my work status, spending most of my time in a state of tension.

What I mean to say is that being an artist can also be considered a stable job in a way—regularly going to the studio to work and leaving at a set time. It might just not be seen as an ‘equal’ job in the conventional sense.

The answer to this question can vary from person to person. Some artists might be curious about a more traditional work environment, especially those seeking stability in their lives. A regular job typically offers set working hours, a steady income, and social benefits, providing a sense of security and stability. However, for artists who value freedom and autonomy in their creativity, a conventional job might feel restrictive, lacking the flexibility and freedom they cherish.

In conclusion, I believe whether artists are happy depends on various factors, including their values, environment, and the depth of their passion for art and creation. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, many artists find immense satisfaction and joy in their work, considering it an indispensable part of their lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a professional artist who also engages in some curatorial work. My focus is on contemporary practice, excelling in ceramic sculpture, painting, installations, mixed media, and land art. I lived in San Francisco for five years and obtained my MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My personal practice has always revolved around exploring cultural boundaries, museology, history, and mythological narratives. I recently held a solo exhibition at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art in Chicago, titled “ICON.” This special exhibition, which I was invited to do by the museum’s team, spanned from 2023 to 2024. It was the museum’s first foray into contemporary exhibitions and marked an important step in their transformation. They also invited a renowned performance artist for a residency.

My life and work are deeply intertwined with art and artistic production. I have established studios in both Chicago and Shanghai. My personal work is primarily completed in my Chicago studio, while having a studio in Shanghai is more convenient for collaborating with some ceramic workshops in China.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my aim is to propel and broaden the influence of ceramics within the contemporary art scene. This has been a steadfast mission of mine, as ceramics often occupy a subdued position in the current artistic discourse. Typically, ceramics are first thought of in terms of decorative vases and vessels, rather than being associated with sculptures, installations, or even considered alongside traditional painting. However, my broad experience with various mediums and deep understanding of the material have convinced me of ceramics’ remarkable versatility. Ceramics can be transformed into anything one can imagine. I have created large sculptures, paintings, and land art pieces from clay, constantly exploring new methods. I view this endeavor as a lifelong commitment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I believe the most crucial aspects of art are its social and historical values. As artists of this era, we have a responsibility to aid in the process of historical narration. Artists should facilitate the connection between the past and the future, focusing not solely on commercial value but on the broader implications of their work. What we offer is a visual narrative. While text and photographs have extensively documented reality, artists have the unique opportunity to create more complex narratives through their distinctive artistic language and modes of expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: xingruixu.com
• Instagram: xxr_xu