If we are to say that from 2005 to 2009 Xiao Zheluo’s paintings mainly feature a dog which expresses introspection upon the cruel story of her youth, then from 2009 to 2011 we can say that she shifted her attention from self-concern to the “ lost thing” of the outer world beyond her mind and personal experience.

“ I used to be lonely and sad. I put all my feelings into the image of a little dog to directly express myself. I loved to indulge myself in painting the eyes and enjoyed it very much. When creating the “lost thing”, I couldn’t face myself and could only confront the neglected items. I emphasize the sense of dignity.”

The period of “lost” didn’t last very long. Since 2011 Xiao Zheluo has made some new friends. Her lonely and sad heart has suddenly become joyful. "In retrospect, it is a very simple form of empathy," she explains transferring my feelings into what I can see. There is nothing to be afraid of. What I need to do is to create more mature paintings in a free way." Just like the artist Xiao Zheluo said “The act of painting is more like a tree growing, gradually forming its own style.”

-Wang Zhe

Image: © Xiao Zheluo, Beijing 9 Art Space