Xiao YU
Beyond Painting via Underbelly
Summary
This research explores the concept of the underbelly and positions this nether region of painting as a new conceptual framework and method for practice-led research. 'Underbelly’ is an under-researched term in both art history and theory of practice. The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘underbelly’ as ‘the quality of being weak or unprotected; the metaphor of area or region that is vulnerable to attack’. Such a definition agrees with common-sense understanding. Nevertheless, I define ‘underbelly’ in my doctoral research as related to the unseen, the camouflaged or the neglected and vulnerable regions within art.
Aim is to ground a definition of the conceptualisation and systematization of ‘underbelly’ in relation to my research project; and to synthesise and analyse ‘underbelly’ in a broad spectrum of theory and practice to indicate a definitive genealogy of ‘underbelly’.
Additional info
I am developing underbelly in my practice through the lens of my evolving identity as a woman who was born and educated in China but moved to the UK more than a decade ago to undertake an MA. Entangling with revealing, provoking, deconstructing, diagraming in art. Delving into unseen, camouflaged, hidden, underneath, neglected aspect in the cultural commonality of East and West.
About
Before moving to the UK, I taught for five years full-time as a senior lecturer at the Drawing and Design department of Hangzhou Electrical Technic College, where I also developed my research on the sociality of digital drawing and design.
I acquired a MA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, and since then have been working as an artist full time in Beijing and London, showing my work internationally in some important exhibitions, such as public sector of Artbasel,RA etc, and developing my practice and research. I mainly work on painting, as well as, performance and installation, attempt various ways of discovering and revealing underbelly's function and validity in art, before attending the Royal College of Art.
Significantly, I have completed a book project, the title of which is Interviews with Well-known Contemporary British Artists. Published by China National Publishing Group, this is the first comprehensive book on the contemporary British art scene that is written in Chinese. As an artist as well as an author, this book project also advanced my understanding of art research. Much of this focused on identifying new spheres for applying long standing practical and theoretical approaches.
Acquainted sublation
To be cake or not to be
Diagraming the second lockdown
Binary equation
My painting as an object is no longer merely a function of pictorial imagery when ‘underbelly’ is brought to bear. ‘Underbelly’ as an important region of a body holds all the essential organs but is hidden at risk of attack. Therefore, to start I will use it as a method to excavate those components that are left out/ removed/ misplaced/ hidden, etc.
Variable dimension
Acrylic on linen, stretchers, canvas, tapes, paints, Mdf
