Newcomer 01

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.