Shiyuan Xu is an artist whose porcelain sculptures are inspired by biology, from seeds to the world’s smallest organisms. Using porcelain Paperclay and glaze, Xu meticulously sculpts intricate interpretations of cells, the essential building blocks of all life forms. Her work is deeply influenced by Scottish mathematical biologist D’Arcy Thompson, particularly his book “On Growth and Form,” which explores the scale and shapes of living things.
Xu’s sculptures resemble webbed, amorphous forms that seem to expand and contract, reminiscent of amoebas. She describes her process as a “diagram of forces,” inspired by Thompson’s dynamic evaluation of specimen forms. For Xu, this approach captures the movement, time, and space of microorganisms, reflecting their interactions, growth, and evolution in response to their environment.
Drawing on her personal experiences as an outsider in America, Xu infuses her work with a classic Chinese ceramic color palette and irregular structures that reference her cultural heritage. The repetitive and labor-intensive process of creating her sculptures serves as a therapeutic response to the challenges of navigating dual cultures. Xu sees her pieces as living organisms, symbolizing the evolving nature of life and her own journey and roots.
Xu’s work can be seen in a small exhibition dedicated to Chinese contemporary studio craft at the V&A in London. Additionally, her sculptures will be featured in upcoming juried exhibitions in Portugal, Italy, and Missouri. To explore more of Xu’s work, visit her website for a closer look at her intricate and captivating porcelain sculptures.
