Dynamic Duos

Xiang Jing & Qu Guangci

Sculptors Xiang Jing and Qu Guangci are frank about their dislike of being written about together – the fact they are married seems inconsequential to their art. While they both have distinctive artistic styles and careers, their individual success and importance makes it an inescapable truth that they are seen as a power couple within the world of contemporary art. Admitting this inevitable pairing, Qu muses, “We are like two symbols that can not be separated.”

Xiang predominately works with painted fibre-glass, often focusing on women with natural, imperfect figures; she counts renowned art collector Charles Saatchi amongst her fans. Qu, who works with bronze and fibre-glass, creates more symbolic figurines with political and historical context.

Beijing-born Xiang and Qu, from Shanghai, met in the early 1990s while attending the capital’s Central Academy of Fine Arts’ sculpture programme. By the end of the decade they were married and had moved south to take up teaching positions at the Fine Arts College of Shanghai Normal University. Since the relocation their careers have simultaneously experienced a meteoric rise, each with a growing résumé of worldwide exhibitions and an increasing dominance of the auction market – recent domestic sales volume for works by the duo surpass all other Chinese sculptors combined.

There are definite benefits to sharing an artistic profession with one’s spouse. Qu says, “We are constantly flattering each other, boosting each other’s confidence. It’s easier to understand your partner and, of course, you can share materials.” Xiang adds, “We try not to interfere with each other creatively, but other than that we help each other as much as possible.”

While the couple called an end to their ten year era in Shanghai last year, closing their studio in Minhang and departing back to Beijing, their legacy and intimate connection with the city’s art scene fortunately remains.

Qu Guangci – ART IN SPACE @ Times Square Mall. On view until 19 July. Web: www.x--q.com

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