Vibrantly colored murals on wooden skate decks, massive oil painted canvasses featuring American soldiers in Iraq, bold installations and interior design, sexy stencils on sparkling panels, and innovative garment design. All these are just a small part of an eclectic art collection that has recently gained notoriety on the GZ art circuit. The subject matter of all these pieces is as varied as the surfaces and media used to create them. However they all have one thing in common, the presence of 4 ordinary letters intricately and thoughtfully woven into the art - XYGZ.
With visual and literary references to Mao Tse Tung and his philosophy in some of the paintings, it is obvious that the artist is mused by the late leader of the Chinese Communist Party. While Warhol introduced Mao to the world on silk screen print in the 1960’s, XYGZ explores his ideology further, beyond the confines of POP or contemporary art. Some critics may consider this minimalist approach as being too simplistic while others may notice that interpretations this deep do need adequate space in which to resonate. Incorporating a street graffiti style to their work, it is apparent that XYGZ has managed to keep their art as light as a feather while their concepts and ideas land messages that are heavier than lead.
Although Guangzhou was once hailed as the home of budding artists it has become drastically clear that most of the talented youngsters have moved on to Shanghai and Beijing, leaving behind only the nostalgic romantics and copycats. XYGZ with their brave new style propagate Love, War, and Revolution. The name XYGZ suggests the artist hails from Guangzhou (GZ). But who are the creative minds pulling the strings? Where have they come from and where are they going? WHO is XYGZ!?
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