XU ZHEN

Newcomer 01 

2021 

230 (H) x 195 x 105 cm 

Fiberglass, lacquer, steel 

Newcomer is a new series Xu Zhen launched in 2021. The series appropriates iconic figures from classic culture, and transforms, replaces, or combines them with contemporary cultural symbols, aimed at renewing the perception of past civilizations and opening new possibilities for classical culture in the contemporary context. Newcomer 01 draws inspiration from the ancient Greek sculpture Laocoon and His Sons, which has been celebrated and reinterpreted by artists, art historians, and writers throughout time, for its exquisite expression and techniques of portraying human destiny and emotions. For the sculpture, the artist proportionally enlarges the heads of Laocoon and his sons based on popular comics, wrapping the sea serpent around them in lieu of pink Roman columns to create an uncanny and humorous effect. This otherwise fearful and tragic scene is then afforded a gentle façade. The artist’s contradictory conduit and unique form of expression allow for diverse and layered interpretations. This piece, upon a first glance, may seem appealing, while a closer examination would leave the viewer with intriguing satire and irony. 

Newcomer 01 presents Xu Zhen’s thoughts on the conflicts between the public and ideology. Often, people’s attempts to avoid conflicts do not dissolve them. Behind the whitewash, real conflicts and struggles continue to take place. In 2021, this sculpture was showcased at Shanghai’s “House of Hermès,” in line with the brand’s annual theme “The Epic of Hermès.” It was presented through a contemporary visual interpretation, highlighting an aesthetic that transcends the limits of time.