April Xue | An Exclusive Interview

The Liberation of Nature:
The Abstract Expressions of April Xue

An Exclusive Interview With
Wei April Xue
By Ariel SU

“I let the creative process unfold naturally. I don’t know what the final outcome will be; the process is a fusion of imagination and spontaneity. When I begin painting, I stay open to surprises and embrace the natural flow of creativity.”
– April Xue

Born in 1969 and artistically known as April Xue, Wei Xue is a renowned artist based in New York City.
Raised in China, Wei Xue spent her childhood surrounded by the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of northwest China.Wei Xue spent her childhood surrounded by the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of northwest China. The breathtaking beauty of her surroundings sparked a deep and abiding love for nature within her. This love only grew stronger after she moved to the United States in 1994. The grandeur of the Grand Canyon and the vibrant colors and textures of the parks near her Long Island home ignited her artistic inspiration in wholly new ways. Today, everything from the infinite expanse of the cosmos to the fiery, colorful leaves of a blooming tree in a neighbor’s yard continues to captivate her, profoundly influencing her art.
 

Xue embarked on her academic path by earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology.
Subsequently, she pursued advanced studies in computer science in New York. Despite her technical background, her profound passion for painting drew her towards the art world. She was fortunate to receive mentorship from the esteemed American artist and educator Yanbo Huang, who imparted valuable painting techniques and played an instrumental role in developing her distinctive creative style.
 
Hailing from a remote town in northwest China before making her way to the bustling streets of historic Beijing and then onto the vibrant, diverse urban of New York, her unique artistic approach has been shaped by her diverse educational background and personal experiences. Her creations are a beautiful amalgamation of inspiration drawn from the timeless aesthetics of Tang and Song poetry and the vivid color palettes found in Western art. These works seamlessly blend a rich tapestry of cultural influences and environmental stimuli.
Xue draws her creative inspiration from the beauty of nature, finding joy in not simply mimicking the natural world but delving deep into the essence of nature within the human spirit. April Xue’s dedication to her craft is unwavering as she wholeheartedly immerses herself in the cycle of experimentation, deconstruction, and renewal. Her artistry is a testament to her boundless energy and unwavering passion, as she revels in the daily challenges of shaping nature rather than merely replicating it.

In her eyes, every piece she creates is a journey of self-exploration. Painting is more than just putting color on a canvas; it’s an intimate conversation with alternate versions of herself from different dimensions. Her art is a vehicle for expressing her innermost emotions and thoughts. Using color and brushstrokes, she constructs extraordinary realms that intertwine her past, present, future, and aspirations. These pieces capture the essence of art and mirror her personal insights and experiences. They offer a window into her happiness, sorrow, and fervor, allowing others to connect with her profoundly.

An Exclusive Interview With
Wei April Xue
By Ariel SU

Art Market Magazine: Congratulations, April, on being awarded the GOLD LIST 2024, and thank you for the interview. Your art certainly impressed and piqued the judges’ curiosity. Your art is unique and blends different cultures of East and West. Did your childhood in a town surrounded by the nature of northwest China lead you to create art at an early age? Did you grow up in an artistic environment?

April Xue: Thank you so much for your kind words, and congratulations! I am truly honored to have been awarded the GOLD LIST 2024.
Born in northwest China, my hometown along the Silk Road deeply influenced my artwork. The contrasting landscapes of lush hillsides and rocky slopes left a lasting impression, reflected in my paintings’ complex, contradictory elements. An art collector once noted my “Silence Green” piece as “intensely peaceful, which feels a bit oxymoronic.”
Exhibitions often highlight my work’s grand yet intricate nature, mirroring the vast deserts and rich historical relics of my upbringing. Xi’an, with its statues, temples, and ancient artifacts, vividly colored my childhood memories and continues to inspire my art. While my family did not influence me artistically, my homeland’s unique blend of nature and culture provided rich artistic nourishment.

Art Market Magazine: You invested years in academic studies, earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology and advanced studies in computer science. Looking back, what drew you to invest in these fields, and what was the point of shifting your life into the art field?

April Xue: After completing my master’s, I ventured into various industries, gaining diverse experiences. Despite my technical work, my curiosity about nature, humanity, and the mind remained. As I approached middle age, I sought a creative outlet to connect deeply with myself and others. This transition into art was influenced by the well-known American artist and educator Ms. Yanbo Huang, who introduced me to painting. Her praise and encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue art passionately despite my lack of formal background. I realized my engineering and scientific background provided a unique perspective for my art. Embracing imperfections, I used colors and lines to converse with another self, creating worlds where the soul can wander through reality, dreams, and the universe.
In summary, my academic and professional background laid a strong foundation, but the pull of creative expression and exploring the human experience led me to shift into art. This journey merged my analytical skills with my artistic vision, creating a unique and fulfilling path.

Art Market Magazine: Your art pieces beautifully capture the essence of time and movement, infusing them with profound meaning. The vibrant and dynamic colors create a flowing motion that genuinely resonates with the viewer. I’m curious about this technique. Did you gain formal training to master this unique technique?

April Xue: Thank you for your kind words about my painting technique. I am honored by your praise. I aim to express tranquility through movement and convey complex contrasts with minimal colors and structures. I have not undergone formal art training, and my current technique is a gift from above.
I believe that everyone is endowed with certain innate abilities, which may be unlocked at some point in life by a strong belief.
For me, the key to mastering these techniques lies in not being afraid to try, not fearing failure, and not being confined by conventions. This approach taught me to grasp the fleeting inspirations that the heavens bestow to reveal beauty. Embracing the imperfections in new attempts is also a form of beauty.

Art Market Magazine: Can you pinpoint the influence of American culture on your work compared to Chinese culture? Or do these influences blend together seamlessly in your work?

April Xue: The American art scene’s openness to experimentation and the encouragement to explore one’s unique voice greatly impacted my technique and style. This environment has allowed me to push boundaries and integrate modern, abstract, and contemporary elements into my work.
In my art, these influences blend together seamlessly. The meticulous attention to detail and philosophical depth derived from Chinese culture merge with American culture’s dynamic energy and innovative spirit. This fusion creates a unique dialogue within my work, where East meets West, tradition meets modernity, and tranquility meets movement. 
This harmonious integration of diverse cultural elements allows me to explore complex themes and convey a richer narrative in my artwork. Ultimately, the seamless blending of these influences enables my work to speak to a global audience, reflecting the interconnectedness of our world today.

Art Market Magazine: Do you visualize the final outcome at the beginning of the creation process, or do you allow the process to unfold spontaneously?

April Xue: No, I don’t imagine the result. My creations start without a sketch. Most of my inspiration comes from the intense emotions, memories, ideas, or new techniques I am eager to try at that moment. This initial vision serves as the guiding framework for my work. Most of the time, I let the creative process unfold naturally. I don’t know what the final outcome will be; the process is a fusion of imagination and spontaneity. When I begin painting, I stay open to surprises and embrace the natural flow of creativity. I believe art should not be confined by rigid plans.
As Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” This spontaneity allows me to capture fleeting inspiration and experiment with colors, textures, and forms in ways that might not have been initially planned.
Thus, each of my paintings has its own unique soul. In this way, my artwork becomes a journey of exploration. The interplay between my initial vision and the spontaneous elements that arise during the creative process results in both intentional and dynamic works. This approach keeps my work fresh and exciting and allows me to fully express the depth and complexity of my artistic vision.

Art Market Magazine: What role does color play in your art? You’ve created several series focused on blue, yellow, and green. Are these series a quest to explore the impact of color?
Is there a deeper philosophical concept driving your choice of colors in your artwork?

April Xue: Color plays a crucial role in my art, and my choice of blue, yellow, and green goes beyond mere aesthetics, imbuing these colors with unique meanings.
These colors are chosen for their visual impact and convey deeper meanings and emotions. My use of color is influenced by memories, personal experiences, and the complex interplay of cultural elements from my background.
Each series I create explores these themes. Essentially, the colors in my work form a unique language that transcends nationality, race, gender, and age, allowing me to communicate directly with the viewers’ emotions and minds. Additionally, color serves as a medium for exchanging information about future times or unknown spaces.

Art Market Magazine: As an accomplished artist with significant recognition on the global stage, you have showcased your work at prestigious art fairs and exhibitions. Reflecting on your artistic journey, what has been the most challenging part of your development? Furthermore, we’d love to hear your perspective on the contemporary art world, particularly regarding artistic growth, engaging with galleries, sales, and participating in art fairs.

April Xue: Reflecting on my artistic journey, the most challenging part has been finding and maintaining my unique voice. Another major challenge is gaining exposure and recognition in a highly competitive and saturated market.
In the contemporary art world, artistic growth depends on the willingness to constantly explore and push boundaries, while also requiring artists to remain innovative and adaptable.
Collaborating with galleries remains crucial for artists to gain credibility and reach a broader audience.
Building genuine relationships with industry professionals is essential for continuous improvement in the art field.
Sales in the contemporary art world are unpredictable and influenced by market trends, economic factors, and shifting tastes. Artists need to stay true to their vision, knowing when to persist and when to let go rather than constantly chasing trends.
Participating in art fairs is a valuable experience for artists. It provides exposure, networking opportunities, and direct feedback from diverse audiences, prompting artists to critically assess their current state and grow rapidly. However, it also imposes significant financial pressure on artists.
Overall, the contemporary art world is dynamic and vibrant, offering immense possibilities for growth and expression.

Art Market Magazine: Can you share an experience when a viewer’s reaction to your work deeply unusually touched you?

April Xue: At an exhibition where I presented “The Rhythm of Nature,” an elderly man who had spent a long time in front of the painting was visibly moved. He shared that he had loved painting as a child but had lost interest over the years, becoming numb to art appreciation. Seeing my artwork rekindled his love for painting, reminding him of nature’s beauty and movement. He realized that in his busy life, he had forgotten to pause and let his heart be nourished by nature’s spirit. Inspired, he decided to start painting again after six decades. This encounter reinforced my belief in the universal language of art and its power to deeply resonate with people, providing comfort and connection.

Art Market Magazine: Are there any upcoming exhibitions scheduled for the remainder of 2024 or in the forthcoming year of 2025? Where can our readers find and view your artwork?

April Xue: I have several exciting exhibitions lined up. I’ll showcase at Art on Paper in New York City from September 5-8, 2024. Later in the year, I plan a solo exhibition at a gallery in Manhattan.
In 2025, I’ll be showcasing at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in July, applying for Frieze New York in May, and at the Armory Art Show in September. Additionally, I will participate in events during Art Basel week in Miami in December 2025.

See the full article in the GOLD LIST Special Edition #8

Website: www.weixueart.com | Email: wei.xue.art@gmail.com, GlobalDragontv@gmail.com | Instagram: @wei.xue.art