Li Xu
Born in Changzhi, Shanxi Province in 1986, Li Xu currently lives and works in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in 2009 and Master’s degree in 2017 from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute.
Rooted in Taoist and Chan Buddhist philosophies, Li Xu’s practice merges minimalism with the spirit of Eastern calligraphic expression, exploring the balance between sensibility and rationality within visual space. His paintings treat touch as breath, conveying the permanence and will of life through rhythm and structure. He was shortlisted for the 8th (2024) and 7th (2022) John Moores Painting Prize (China), the 1st Powerlong Art Prize (2018), the 3rd Nomination for Asian Young Artists (2015), and the 6th New Star Art Award (2015). His works have been published in professional art journals including Contemporary Artists and KU Art, and collected by institutions such as Chinese Contemporary Art Museum and Powerlong Museum.
Exhibition History
Solo Exhibitions
2015  Metal Resonance — Li Xu Solo Exhibition, Sense Art Space, Chongqing
Group Exhibitions
2026  1st "Who Am I" Documentary Exhibition on Artists’ Self‑Exploration, Zhi Space, Shanghai
2026  Light Year Contemporary Art Fair, H Gallery · Inblue Center, Hangzhou
2025  The 8th John Moores Painting Prize (China) Exhibition, Jiushi Art Museum, Shanghai
2024  "Questioning Blossoms" New‑Year Cross‑Over Exhibition, Holly Art Space, Shanghai
2024  11th Rising Art Fair Hong Kong | Affordable Art Fair, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong
2024  Spring Among the Four Seasons — Group Exhibition of Young Artists, H Gallery, Shanghai
2023  New Nodes ‑ Institutional Collection Exhibition of Winners and Shortlisted Artists of the 7th John Moores Painting Prize (China), Yibo Gallery, Shanghai
2023  Art Xiamen International Art Fair, Hall A1, Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center, Xiamen
2023  The 7th John Moores Painting Prize (China) Exhibition, Powerlong Museum, Shanghai; Xihai Art Museum, Qingdao
2023  Hi21 New Art Market, 798 Art Factory, Beijing
2023  INTO META: Passport Distribution‑NFT Crypto Art Exhibition, Assorted Gallery, Shenzhen
2021  Fantasy Kingdom — Tribute Exhibition for Cultural China, Meisong Gallery, Beijing
2019  The 7th Chongqing Fine Arts Exhibition, Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing
2018  Heartbeat — Young Artists Exhibition, Powerlong Art Center, Shanghai
2018  Not From Narrative — Shortlisted Exhibition for Excellent Works of the 1st Powerlong Art Prize, Powerlong Museum, Shanghai
2017  Individuality · Soul — Contemporary Art Alliance Exhibition, Ling Art Museum, Shanghai
2016  "Money Is Coming" Touring Exhibition, Art Center of China Finance Museum, Beijing; Shanghai M&A Museum, Shanghai
2016  The 3rd Nomination Exhibition for Asian Young Artists, Today Art Museum, Beijing
2015  The 6th New Star Art Festival, Xi’an Art Museum, Xi’an
