Kim Xu

Kim Xu was born and raised in Suzhou, China and moved to Shanghai to pursue his passion for art and fashion at the age of nineteen.

Kim’s art very much reflects his personality and life experiences, fusing both traditional Chinese watercolour techniques – a skill he learned from his grandfather – and Western-style oil-based techniques. This combination creates truly un-earthly pieces that speak of beauty, passion, love and despair, packaged and portrayed by the beautiful and strong women he paints. His style is surreal and chic, empowering the female gender and he is regularly praised as one of China’s most important up-and-coming artists.

Kim’s work has been the focus of a number of high profile events and editorials, capturing the attention of the fashion world. In 2007, Kim was commissioned by Vogue magazine to do a special edition feature named “Fashion meets Art”. In 2008, Kim was also asked to form a collaboration with Hong Kong luxury brand Joyce to celebrate the first anniversary of their operation in mainland China. Later that year, Kim was also invited to contribute to London fashion publication Wound, for which he produced a series of works inspired by the designs of Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Dolce&Gabbana and Peter Pilotto. Other brands he has worked with include DAN, Taittinger Champagne and Harvey Nichols, as well as his paintings can be found in many private collections around the world and installation pieces in public spaces in China.