I first encountered Mao Xuhui in 1988, and our initial collaboration occurred when Da Mao participated in the "1988 Southwest Modern Art Exhibition," curated by myself. Subsequently, one of the outcomes of my in-depth research on this artist was the publication of "Story of Parent Icon: Mao Xuhui in the 1980s." In 2023, I curated a solo exhibition for Mao Xuhui titled "Winter Corridor" in Chengdu. As a prominent figure in the Southwest art community and a participant in the '85 Movement during the 1980s, a thorough case study of Mao Xuhui is both necessary and imperative. From his steadfast adherence to "New Figurativism" to his deliberate rejection of Pop and popular culture, Xuhui's personal history is steeped in idealism. He seamlessly integrates his artistic practice into the successive challenges faced by contemporary Chinese art. Therefore, my writings primarily focus on documenting and introducing a young artist born in the 1950s, passionate about art, navigating the myriad personal and societal issues encountered during his growth. This endeavor aims to further illuminate the historical aspects that merit understanding.
