Jin XU

Born: 1958, Huangyan, Zhejiang Province, China

Xu Jin, an influential figure in the Chinese art world, demonstrated remarkable talent in painting from an early age. At 14, he was specifically recruited into the Third Industrial Corps of the Zhejiang Production and Construction Corps, based in Linping, near Hangzhou City.

In 1977, following the reinstatement of the College Entrance Exams in China, Xu secured admission to the China Academy of Fine Arts (formerly the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts), specializing in oil painting.

Early Career

Upon graduation, Xu worked at the Hangzhou Institute of Industrial Arts, the School of Industrial Arts, and the Zhejiang Fine Arts Press. In 1985, he returned to his alma mater as a teacher in the Oil Painting Department, beginning as an assistant professor and later assisting renowned artist Maryn Varbanov at the Varbanov Tapestry Studio. During this period, Xu co-founded the influential '85 New Space' group, a pivotal movement within the broader '85 New Wave that marked a turning point in contemporary Chinese art.

Awards and Recognition

In 1987, Xu received the Artistic Dialogues Award from the Association of Artistic Dialogues in France, along with several prestigious national awards. His talent drew international attention, culminating in a 1989 exhibition in the United States. Following its success, Xu chose to settle in New York City, marking a new chapter in his artistic journey.

In 2012, Xu was appointed professor at the College of Arts and Design, Nanchang University. He continues to maintain studios in New York and Hangzhou, actively creating and exhibiting his work.

Selected Exhibitions

• 2024 – Floating Life · Wandering Dream, The Scholart Selection, Los Angeles, USA
• 2023 – Walking Through the World, Platform China Contemporary Art Institute, Beijing, China
• 2019 – All Things Have Spirits, Don Gallery, Shanghai, China
• 2018 – Breathing in the Dream, The Grady Alexis Gallery, New York, USA
• 2018 – Dialogue: Xu Jin's Art Exhibition, Ningbo Art Museum, Ningbo, China
• 2017 – Eruption, MKTG Art Fuse Inc, New York, USA
• 2016 – Stars Setting at Dawn, Xiwu Art Center, Beijing, China
• 2013 – Between Fantasy and Nightmare, M50 Shanghai University Fine Arts College 99 Creative Center, Shanghai, China
• 2012 – Xu Jin Art Exhibition, Nanchang University Art Museum, Nanchang, China
• 2008 – Life. Death, Xu Jin Drawing and Oil Painting Exhibition, Shanghai Hongmiao Gallery, Shanghai, China
• Unknown Date – 911, Xu Jin Drawing Exhibition, Suzhou Art Museum