“The Dissolution of Boundary” centers on Tu Xi’s singular artistic practice, which attempts to deconstruct the boundary between “objects” and “space.” Through his signature abstract forms and asymmetrical compositions, the artist transcends the expressions of space and form in his paintings, showcasing his relentless experiments through the deconstruction and reconstruction of various pictorial elements. At first glance, these works continue Tu Xi’s investigation into the interplay of texture, color, form, and gesture, embracing their conflicts and unities. While paintings remain his primary medium, his choice of materials expands beyond conventional confines. By integrating acrylics, spray paint, collage, and soak-stain techniques, the artist creates a vibrant world of color that offers a rich, multi-layered visual experience.
Tu Xi is attuned to the shifts in culture and society, yet his works embody a paradox of individuality and collectivism. In the process of his painting, he focuses on the creation and intricate details of his work, which limits his interactions with friends in the art world. However, he is also “within the crowd,” as his visual repertoire reflects his intuitive understanding of information production and an exploration of the fluidity of subject-object identities.
In his works, Tu Xi utilizes the chanced, spontaneous effects of paint dripping and flowing naturally on the canvas and the “layering” engendered through the superimposition of various techniques to bridge and juxtapose different visual modes and cultural experiences. This approach not only presents a mingling of multiple cultural and temporal dimensions but also unconsciously constructs a pictorial amalgamation of virtual and physical landscapes. Through his urban geographical mobility of traversing between home and studio, as well as the stacking of forms and the unrestrained nature of his art, he meditates on "what exactly constitutes a boundary," as well as how boundaries, as symbols, dissolve within the realm of contemporary art. He asked in his works, "Do the boundaries we perceive truly exist? If they do, are they constructed, inherent, and eternal, or are they intangible boundaries that can be transcended?" With his unique, fluid visual strategy, the paintings of Tu Xi embody both materiality and abstract spirituality. The “new boundaries” in Tu Xi’s practice speak to our cognitive framework, ensuring that the “dissolution of boundaries” is transcendental but also artistic, regenerative, realistic, and reflective.