GAO XIAOWU (Fuijian, China, 1976). Lot n° 70

GAO XIAOWU (Fuijian, China, 1976). "Dreams Return N.1", 2010. Lacquered bronze, copy 9/20. Enclosed certificate of authenticity issued by the artist. Measurements: 55 x 49 x 47 cm. The central idea of Gao Xiaowu's work lies in the concept of honesty, complemented with a large dose of humour, wrapped in the aesthetics of comics and cartoons. He believes that art should not be straightforward, but should be driven by metaphors. His work is related to concern, criticism and reflection on social problems. The roundness of forms, for Xiaowu, - and very obvious in the present work - suggests existence in a state of complete bliss and for the artist represents how the pursuit of happiness occupies the mind of every city dweller, man or woman, regardless of age or social position. Gao's pieces can be interpreted in various ways, but one thing is certain: his enchanting pieces procure happiness for the viewers. Gao Xiaowu was born in Sanming, Fujian province in 1976. At the Xiamen Art Academy, he discovered his affinity for sculpture and then furthered his studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. His "Standard Times Series" pieces stand out, being a reflection of modern Chinese society, outlining innate Asian behavioural norms and mental attitudes that combine to create a collective Asian identity. In these, Gao's work is an expression of reverence that he sees as innately Asian, and in an act similar to genuflection, the embodiment of respect transcends the movement of bowing forward. The sculptor has exhibited in contemporary art venues in cities such as Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and his work is also in many private collections around the world.