A dreamer and an introvert by nature, Xie’s works have been driven by the images of his memories and vast imagination. Dark Grey Series have been coined by Xie as purely “accidental”. In his relentless pursuit for individuality and the attainment for a state of permanence, the layering of memories and imagination unveiled a good sense of clarity, allowing him to break away from the uncertainties, freeing him from limitations. Bright, rich colours are discarded from this series to avoid a clamouring and impetuous representation. Arresting yet calm, greys have been deliberately used throughout as if to insist that his works stay true and more effectively to the memoirs of his images than coloured representations. Displaying excellent control and skills, Dark Grey Series draw viewers into his world of serenity at ease.

Romanticism coupled with old masters’ style of painting best described Xie’s works. Skilful as well in depicting the way light illuminates subjects and in the rendering of materials. Xie explored the impressive use of space, natural light, and perspective, creating images of unprecedented naturalism and illusion. It is evident that what Xie has used in his paintings are the best psychological elements of romanticism to make a narrative that reaches to the heart of our individualistic modernity. Xie’s arresting works reminded us that while some of the best contemporary Chinese art that has provided us with a wide range of striking and contrary views of the world, traditional and classical interpretation of observations continue to have a strong stand in the world of art appreciation.

Signed and dated below (right)