Shi Xinning 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.

PROFILE

1969

?Born in Liaoning Province, China

EDUCATION

1990

?Graduated from Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts

His Selected Exhibitions

1.The Road Map of Painting, Beijing, China

2.The Other Shore of This Shore, Pingyao, China

3.Mahjong, Kunstmuseum, Bern, Switzerland

4.China Contemporary Painting, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna, Bologna, Italy

5.Landscapes, Shanghai Gallery of Art, Shanghai, China

6.New Perspectives in Chinese Painting, Marella Art Gallery, Milan, Italy

7.China's Photographic Painting, China Art Seasons Gallery, Beijing, China

8.Moyemode, Moyemobude, 798 Art Zone, Beijing, China

9.China Art Now, Marella Art Gallery, Milan, Italy

10.Contemporary Art Exhibition, Deduct Fabricate Copy, Beijing, China

11.Contemporary Art Show "Out-of-control", Beijing, China

12.Contemporary Art Exhibition, "In the City- Individuality", Beijing, China