Xu Yang (b. 1996) is a London-based painter born in Shandong, China. She studied Fine Art Painting at Wimbledon College of Arts (UAL) and graduated with an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2020.
Yang's creative lens is deeply rooted in an excavation of history, uncovering aspects ingrained in our human nature, such as sexuality, childhood reveries, fetishes, and identity. Her inspiration primarily draws from the opulent Rococo era, aiming to revive its relevance in our contemporary world and engage in a dialogue that addresses the complexities of our present moment, challenging the perception of decadence and moral corruption that has lingered since the French Revolution.
Yang was recently awarded a commission by Tate Collective for LGBTQIA+ history month (2023), and was the winner of Barbican Arts Group Trust Art Works Open (2019). Recent solo exhibitions include 'Imagine Yourself a Warrior' at Mou Projects in Hong Kong (2023); 'Therefore I am' at Dio Horia in Athens (2022); '100 Carat Diamond' at Barbican Arts Group Trust in London (2020). Recent group exhibitions include 'Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me' at Berntson Bhattacharjee in London (2023); 'It’s my party' at Guts Gallery in London (2023); 'Machines of Desire' at Simon Lee Gallery in London (2022), 'Eat, Drink, Man, Women' at 180 Strand in London (2022).