Meet Xuanchen Fan | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xuanchen Fan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xuanchen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve been practice painting and drawing since I was 5. However, it took me many years until 28 to have the courage to be an artist. I thought being an artist means financially unstable. When I was 28, I got the opportunity to work with Swatch and professionally start my artistic career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Through her artworks, Fan Xuanchen not only depicts the form of landscapes but also explores the subtle connections between humanity, nature, and the universe. Her pieces are not merely images but profound reflections and expressions of the relationships between life, nature, and the universe. Intimate engagement with these artworks may prompt viewers to contemplate their own relationships with the surrounding world, experiencing the mysterious beauty of the formless and nameless great Tao.

Her artistic style leans towards abstract expressionism, showcasing ever-changing imagery while subtly conveying a sense of landscape. In her works, towering mountains, lush foliage, meandering rivers, and ethereal clouds and mist intertwine to form vibrant and rhythmic scenes.

With bold brushwork, she presents a unique and vivid atmosphere. Her works do not adhere strictly to traditional landscape painting techniques but, through abstract forms and expressive methods, she vividly captures the spirit and mood of the landscapes. Viewers engaging with her pieces may feel an emotional resonance beyond the material world, as if placed within an abstract yet concrete landscape.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Suzhou has many beautiful traditional Chinese garden worth having a tour. In the gardens, they have a type of stone called ‘Taihu stone’ which is a sort of stone has pores. People believe this type of stone can take you traveling to another world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I need to thank many person in my life who gave me job opportunities. The swatch art director Carlo Giordanetti put my painting in a Swatch group exhibition. The True/False film festival art director Sarah Nguyen gave 100% support to my installation art. My storytelling teacher at Central Saint Martins Clare Murphy and my mentor Dave Osborne are my life mentors and has been so supportive all the time….my families and friends… there is a long long list about people who have helped me and supported me along the way.

Website: https://www.xuanchenfan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xchenfan/