WARM WELCOME - CHAIRMAN MAO MEETS HUGH HEFNER, 2002, Shi Xinning (1969 - Yingkou, China)

Large oil painting on canvas depicting Mao Tse-Tung in a meeting with Hugh Hefner. Historic photo of the founder of Playboy later revised by the artist.

Provenance: -Marella Gallery, Milan.

Catalogue notes: He grew up in China and his work is influenced by both social realism and European styles. Shi Xinning examines both the dynamics of Western Eurocentrism and Western Chinese isolationism, ironically illustrating the major icons of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, in particular Mao Zedong. Mao's insertion into the fabric of the Western collective consciousness seems entirely plausible. Combining propaganda totems with a sense of normality and humility, Shi Xinning's work is done in black and white, with occasional sepia tones. This choice, together with his reproduction of famous historical photographs published in newspapers, helps establish his 'photographic' or 'newspaper' style.

Born in 1969 in Liaoning Province, China. After graduating in 1990 from the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in Shenyang, he embarked on a full-time career as an artist. Only ten years later, he started producing what became his masterpieces: portraits of Mao. He currently lives and works in Beijing.

Solo Exhibitions (selected)

2015 

Modern Times, Primae Noctis Art Gallery, Lugano, CH

2013 

Idea or Event, Primo Marella Gallery, Milan, IT

2012 

The Virtual Placement of Truth, White Box Museum of Art, Beijing, CN

2009 

Tale of the Two Cities, Arndt and Partner, Berlin, DE

2008 

Shi Xinning Solo Show, Arndt and Partner, Zurich, CH            

Shi Xinning Works, SHINE Art Space, Shanghai, CN

2007

Polyphony Arndt and Partner, Berlin, DE

2001 

Fake Reality, Fun Art Gallery, Beijing, CN