Artist Statement by Benjamin Xu

I once saw a quote online that resonated deeply with me: "All current artists are competing on the same track with those deceased and contemporary famous artists". That is the truth. The reality is like many people squeezing through a narrow doorway. This reminds me of the concept of "Tall-Narrow Door," which perfectly encapsulates my feelings and what we all face! Tall-Narrow Door… I use my unique modern expressive techniques to present this feeling. From it, I discovered something hidden, not just realism. I focus more on pattern and color, the variations and shapes of smoky gray tones, depicting the world under soft light. I strive to present viewers with a rich and diverse visual experience through color. I insist on drawing every inch of a straight line with my own hands, even if it's crooked and some trembling. It is absolutely a genuine expression of my feelings. I don't try to hide it. I don't want to rely on AI or a rule and tape to restrict my emotions. My pure self is more like a way of communicating and understanding feelings between people.

That happiness still exists no matter how cruel the world may be. I have always loved nature and have begun to explore a free artistic concept, honestly and sincerely depicting life. Emphasizing those implicit, unspoken elements makes me feel incredibly relaxed. I believe art is rooted in its time. A work records the trajectory of an era, and it's worth leaving our mark on it. This quality creates another kind of Zen image.