NATIONALITY China, Shanghai
BIRTHDAY April 25, 1982
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 unique pieces that speak of beauty, passion, love and despair. 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 commisioned 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.
2009 | Personal exhibition at Yacht Club Shanghai. |
2008 | Illustration for London fashion magazine WOUND in co-operation with Alexander Mcqueen / Dolce&Gabbana / Fendi / Peter Pilotto.
Personal exhibition in Singapore. Kim Xu's artwork Lanvin Orange was most recently featured as part of the art collection of Hang Seng Bank. Art director for the first anniversary of JOYCE, fashion show and personal exhibition at Three on the bund in Shanghai. Painted 10 artwork contracted by JOYCE boutique in conjunction with Lanvin / Ann Dem / Gamme Rouge / MiuMiu / Oscar de la Renta / Rick Owens / Under Cover / Vera Wang / Balenciaga / Viktor&Rolf. Surrealism series of illustrations published in VOGUE magazine in conjunction with Louis Vuitton. |
2007 | Image show Living of Kim Xu at Royal Meridien hotel. Commissioned to create 5 artwork for VOGUE's 2nd anniversary which were exhibited during their gala dinner. Fleeting time and Mrs.Wang as poster for the 5th Readers’ Food+Drink Awards by That’s Shanghai. Personal exhibition at Park 97. Personal exhibition at Curiosity. |
2006 | Collaboration with photographer Olivier Henry for fashion magazine ISH Singapore.
Postcard designs for Konplott, German jewellery. Beautiful Lady selected as the publicity piece for the first Shanghai AIDS foundation fundraiser. Personal exhibition at the Shanghai Art Museum. Single Way published, a private biography illustrated with artist’s drawings and personal photos. |
2005 | Personal exhibition in Shanghai. |