Lili Xu

Currently I live and work in Toronto, immigrated here from China
in my mid 20s, and never had identity crisis.
The following year after I landed, I was admitted in the Find Arts
program at Bishop’s University, studied closely under Dr. Jim
Benson, and Dr. Darren Millington. The introduction to
Expressionism was the defining moment in the development of
my Visual Art practice.
There was a large image of The Scream by Munch in my book,
when I saw it I thought, this is how painting should be – visually
bold, and emotionally charged. I paint on canvas using acrylic.
People are always the subject of my paintings, even when their
appearance is absent. I aim to create intimate connection with
the viewers, and found rewarding when something in common
can be confirmed with another human being.
Artist Statement:
When I saw The Scream by Munch, I thought, this is how painting should be – visually
bold, and emotionally charged.
I paint with Acrylic on Canvas, and started my portrait collection since school time.
People are always the subject of my paintings, even when their appearance is absent.
Currently I’m making new portraits with help of people around me for posing. I’m
planning to continue applying to The Kingston Prize when it resumes. It is a portrait
competition of Canadian citizen or immigrant, and they require the portrait to be based
on a real life encounter. It is important, indeed, to interact with another person,
exchange informations, share a moment in the same space. The tangible connection
play its magic.