Shu-Mei Chan and Xi Nan (南希)
Inviting Xi Nan to participate in TEN OUT OF TEN, Shu-Mei says, was a "no-brainer". Shu-Mei-Chan first met Xi at Sculpture Space NYC, an open studio space where artists are able to see the work of other artists in process. Shu-Mei was immediately drawn to Xi's pieces and saw a similarity in their artistic approach. Calling Xi her "creative soul sister," Shu-Mei says, "Xi produces a lot of parts that she fires first and then assembles later. But what was fascinating to me, was the miniature scale and how she's able to balance playfulness with relentless precision, and how that impacts you on a somatic level." The two artists first exhibited together in Sculpture Space in 2017.
Shu-Mei Chan's Fire:
Shu-Mei Chan’s sculptures and installations plant you firmly in real-time and physical space. Approaching her tenuous clusters of bone-like needles is like approaching a wild animal; you immediately feel jolted, becoming aware of your vulnerability and power. According to Chan, “I think of myself as a constructor of moments rather than a maker of objects. I’m primarily interested in the transitory and interdependent nature of all things, especially the things we assume are permanent."
About Shu-Mei Chan: Shu-Mei Chan's sculptures, installations and interactive works have been exhibited in major cities across the US and abroad, including Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands. Most recently, she was part of a two-person exhibition with Xi Nan at Scuplture Space NYC Projects, and a three-person show with Anton Reijnders and Takako Higashihata at Galerie DeWitte Voet in Amsterdam. She's the recipient of the Gillian Jagger Fellowship from the Women’s Studio Workshop, along with several awards from the National Council on Education for Ceramic Art. Chan received her MFA in ceramics from Indiana University and a BA in Studio Art from Wesleyan University, and was a Special Student at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. She lives and works between New York City and the Netherlands.
Xi Nan on Slip:
In my view, we are the architects of our own psychological spaces. We design the spaces subconsciously, and we are also the residents in our spaces as well as in reality. Sometimes, we are lost, or get trapped in our own mental spaces; we look for the exit sign to lead the way out to a haven, a way to find inner peace. As my own architect, there are no keys or locks to my psychological space. My consciousness is my pass—allowing myself to go through and maintain certain spaces. I am fascinated by architecture and mechanical apparatus —these are metaphorical devices for me, providing form and access to reflect, express and evaluate my artwork, as well as my inner world. As a maker, I create small-scale sculptural objects with clay and mixed media. In my work, I invite the viewer to experience and feel the fragility and vulnerability from my own anxiety and inner fear, as well as to reflect upon their own inner struggles. At the same time, I see my work as self-reflection, and self-realization as well as a means for healing.
About Xi Nan (南希): Xi Nan was born and raised in Jilin, China. She was selected nationally from China Disabled Person Federation to study abroad at Red Cross Nordic United World College in Norway and earned her International Baccalaureate degree in 2007. In 2011, she received her BA in studio art at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. She took several ceramics courses at Maryland Institute College of Art, in Baltimore, Maryland. Xi Nan completed her MFA in ceramics at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2015. Xi’s work has exhibited nationally including juried shows in Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Cincinnati, Ohio and Washington, DC. Her more recent dual exhibition was at Sculpture Space NYC, Long Island City, NY. Xi Nan lives in Queens, NY and works in Long Island City, NY.