|  I am interested in minimalism and its elimination of superfluous detail to gain a sense of simplicity. It also concentrates on the sculpture’s material and the space it inhabits. As humans we connect to different materials in differing ways, the feelings and sensibilities gained are unique to the individual. Therefore, in my practice, I aim to both maintain the character of the medium whilst striving to perfect its use.
The original inspiration of my practice stems from the moving and dancing body as I was touched by its rhythm and colour. I explore these themes though coloured acrylic for its bright hue and the strength in colour of its edge. Once heated, the acrylic looses its rigidness and yields to become a material that gains a rhythm and excitement of its own.
My chosen work hung in the MAFA exhibition showcases my experiences and experiments over the past 12 months with acrylic, metal string, paper and plaster and clay as materials to openly explore rhythm, structure and colour. Prior to my coming to study here at Middlesex University my work utilised traditional mediums such as bronze casting, marble and stone masonary and steel fabrication. I have suspended works at different heights, whilst others are displayed at floor level. My aim is to allow the works to communicate from above and below and therefore forming a relationship of rhythm and dance in the space with their viewing public. Curving lines in my work emanate a feeling of tension and life and by joining these together using different strings produces a multitude of spaces within the works and the areas and the areas surrounding them, aspects that I find most interesting. I enjoy exploring the movement of the lines and aim to engage with the interaction of the different colours to bring external space within the interior of the sculptures. Key works I have shown are ‘My Honey, I Love You’ (2009, paper and plaster) was inspired by a touching love story from the huge earthquake in China on the 12th May 2008. I have uses the theme of a mother protecting their child with their strong hands and body. Paper and plaster suggest the destruction and demolition of the buildings in the after mass of the quake in which about ninety thousands died. In the Chinese culture white color reminds death，a round structure usually signifies reunion and happiness however, in this work I have used the shape to communicate an atmosphere of sadness. The colour white continues to reinforce the symbolism as it is the colour of death. For a long period of time I have been interested in Romanticism and its expression of love, nature, beauty, affection and longing. A visit to Perry Green allowed me to see the sculptures of Henry Moore first hand and as such I agree with his concept that the creator should seek from their subconscious those images hiding in its depths that are the most sensitive and exciting to the viewers mind. I have aimed to always ground my practice through a variety of contextual references from the past. My work is influenced by the works of Tatlin and Gabo; symbolic of revolution as depicted in art of their period. I aim to interpret their sense of freedom using materials of my contemporary life whilst pointing to the future simultaneously. In terms of my future I am keen to explore whether innovation in China will be as socially and politically charged as the historical predecessors whom I have taken influence from? Finally, I consider sculpture in its space, the simplicity of shape communicates a strong sense of belonging to the viewing public. In addition to this, the space surrounding the sculpture is of importance as well, so that ultimately my sculpture not only explores the external shape but also the interior space. Both are of key importance to my practice and I hope to have successfully communicated them to you all.
contact o7551258551(london) o7735075968(london) Email Robert-xue-bo@hotmail.com
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