By Anaistamo Martane
The greatest virtue of art and sculpture lies in their inherent uselessness! Artists are completely liberated from utilitarian concerns; they create numerous artistic languages and forms in a world lacking in expressive richness, striving to rescue it from mediocrity. Mr. Fu Guiyan is one such artist, a highly influential and renowned sculptor in contemporary times. He pioneered the incorporation of cartoon elements into sculpture, injecting modern aesthetics into traditional art concepts. This represents a significant upheaval in the field of sculpture and has led to an enduring artistic trend among the post-1980s generation. Consequently, he is recognized as a pioneering sculptor of the post-80s generation and an important representative of the "cartoon generation" of sculptors. His sculptures are widely acclaimed, and he has been named by major Western media as "one of the most interesting and innovative new-generation artists in China" and "one of the most intriguing new-generation artists in China".
In the recently concluded "2024 LEONARDO DA VINCI INTERNATIONAL ARTS AWARD", Mr. Fu Guiyan was honored with this prestigious award for his outstanding artistic talent and achievements. In light of this recognition, our column had the opportunity to conduct an online exclusive interview with the artist Fu Guiyan, delving into his artistic creation ideas and process, and sharing his unique insights on cultural and artistic matters.
Anaistamo Martane: Hello! It’s a great honor that you have accepted our interview amidst your busy schedule. At the recent tribute exhibition in Leonardo da Vinci's hometown in Italy, we were once again treated to your excellent work, including the cartoon sculpture "Alien Ultraman". Could you tell us what specifically draws you to cartoon alien characters? What inspired you to create sculptures of cartoon aliens?
Fu Guiyan: Incorporating cartoon and superhero elements into sculpture is one of my key creative directions. This indeed stems from my childhood love for cartoons and science fiction. I enjoyed the limitless imagination of space travel and had an interest in things that others might consider absurd. As I pursued art, I befriended many science fiction writers with scientific backgrounds. Many of my friends are versatile in science, anime, and literature. We shared a deep mutual understanding and engaged in heartfelt discussions that inspire one another. Thus, the exploration of mystery and the unknown, the secrets of the universe, and the quest for and positioning of ultimate value of human existence on a grand scale of time and space, driven by curiosity and imaginative thinking akin to scientists, are the reasons for my fondness for cartoon alien characters. These are at the core of my creative work and worldview.
There are two main reasons for my focus on cartoon aliens: Firstly, about a decade ago, I read The World Without Us by American author Alan Weisman. The book describes a crisis-ridden Earth -- extreme heat, climate crises, rampant viruses, and ongoing environmental warnings. Under such circumstances, the author asked: What would the world be like if humans disappeared from now on? This question deeply affected me and shifted my creative thinking from a wandering cosmic contemplation to a more serious and conscious reflection on "the relationship between the world and humanity". Secondly, since the beginning of this century, the world has seen increasing cultural and ethnic conflicts, between nations, including differing ways of life and values, leading to significant divisions and opposition. I began to consider whether my work could observe, record, adjust, and even heal the world's wounds, even if only slightly. I envisioned adopting an outsider's perspective, a viewpoint beyond conflicts and disputes, where the protagonist is neither White, Black, nor Yellow person, not belonging to any race, political faction, culture, or commercial group, free from any ideological biases. Through the eyes of an outsider, I aim to reflect on our world and humanity's fundamental situation. Thus, I decided to use cartoon aliens to represent my artistic thoughts.
Anaistamo Martane: Industry critics have commented on your works as follows: "Mr. Fu Guiyan masterfully integrates abstract, minimalist, deconstructed languages, and a range of modernist art languages into his creations. Particularly notable is his use of materials, where materials truly play a role in his art, and whatever materials he chooses seem to turn the mundane into the miraculous." What considerations do you have when selecting materials?
Fu Guiyan: My approach to selecting materials is as all-encompassing and exploratory as my creative methods. I believe any material can be used in art. I thoroughly enjoy the process of finding materials; it feels like a way of discovering myself and exploring art and the world. Materials are everything. Our existence is made up of materials, everything we touch and feel, thoughts and emotions are all constituted by materials. My entire artistic creation is based on thinking through materials. I enjoy touching and perceiving materials, so almost all of my works are meticulously crafted by myself.
Anaistamo Martane: Where do you draw inspiration from for your visually striking original sculptures?
Fu Guiyan: I wish I could say, "it's divine revelation"! (Haha.) Most of my inspiration comes from my life experiences. The feelings and moments that touch me in life are crucial for gaining inspiration and truly expressing life. I find that inspiration often knocks on my door unexpectedly, whether I’m having breakfast, on my way to the studio, or chatting with others. Any new piece of information, word, or visual element can spark the development of a sculpture in my mind.
Anaistamo Martane: Let's talk about the motivation and concept behind your award-winning work, "Ultraman". I heard that one of the organizers, the ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE DES DESIGNERS ET DES ARTISTES, has already acquired it as soon as it was exhibited.
Fu Guiyan: For those familiar with cartoons, "Ultraman" itself doesn’t have a name; it was given by humans to refer to this mysterious giant who saved them. He embodies all cosmic superheroes who protect Earth from evil.
The motivation behind this work is twofold: first, to fulfill a childhood dream of being a superhero; second, to reexamine contemporary societal conditions. By using the cartoon character "Ultraman", which is beloved by children today, to replace classic sculptures, and combining post-industrial elements with classic figures, I aim to deconstruct and reconstruct the classic. In the work, you can see "Ultraman" with a robust body equipped with advanced futuristic gear, yet firmly stuck. This alludes to how contemporary people are constrained and shackled by various factors while attempting to break free from conventional thinking. It symbolizes how such rigid thinking can restrict human freedom and nature, potentially even stagnating an era. The idea is to provoke thought about how to overcome this mindset. The concept behind the work is to explore human stances and modes of existence in relation to nature, society, and the universe through critical engagement with one's own or others' bodies. I want to utilize the functional artistic potential of sculpture to create a new thinking space for behavior, thought, and perception, allowing visitors to experience an expanded sensory field and realize that their actions and thoughts should be free and uncontrolled.
I am honored that my work has been collected, but the purpose of my creation is not to promote the collection of sculptures. My creations aim to challenge the boundaries of sculptural subjects in the surrounding world. That’s what makes it more interesting to me. Creating things that are easily collectible is less appealing than making what I consider truly important.
Anaistamo Martane: In the end, let’s talk about your understanding of sculpture art.
Fu Guiyan: Sculpture is a common language that transcends time and space, and it is one of the best artistic forms for "collision" and "dialogue" with life.
What does the sculptor do? It is to embrace the inspiring and poignant tales of people and events from the long river of history with a simple and sincere heart, to examine the manifold aspects of life with sincerity, and then to shape the work with each hammer stroke and chisel cut, with each hand and finger. Shaping form, spirit, and soul, the sculptor gives voice to the mute sculpture and creates a resonance of human thought within the work. Sculpture is not merely about molding individuals; it is also about shaping history, crafting an era, and fostering cultural confidence. To sculpt people and objects is also to sculpt oneself. Through the artistic charm of the sculptural language, I aim to open up new spaces for behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, allowing visitors to experience an expanded realm of perception and realize that their behaviors and thoughts should find a wonderful balance between "initially complete freedom and later controlled to some extent.
As one of the most prominent contemporary sculptural artists, Mr. Fu Guiyan creates his works for the era with a unique artistic vision through his innovative mind and skilled hands. Each sculpture embodies thought and emotion, transcending time and space, reflecting a belief in life and highlighting the value of the spiritual soul. These sculptures become an eternal artistic bridge between the artist Fu Guiyan, the viewers, and the subjects of his works.
