Bangte Xu

BANGTE XU

BANGTE XU'S PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGES TRADITIONAL NOTIONS OF masculinity, INVITING VIEWERS INTO A REALM WHERE gender identity is fluid AND societal norms are questioned. THROUGH HIS THOUGHT-PROVOKING IMAGERY, XU SPARKS CONVERSATIONS ABOUT inclusivity and acceptance IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Xu Bangte, an artist and photographer, is deeply intrigued by the interplay between photography and societal shifts, particularly within the realms of masculinity and urban dynamics. Central to his artistic exploration is the notion of masculinity, which he actively challenges and redefines as a positive force against the constraints of traditional stereotypes. In an era marked by the dissolution of rigid labels and limitations, Xu advocates for a more fluid and inclusive understanding of gender identity.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

Society is always setting rules for people in regards to sexuality. People are required to be the gender that they are physically having, just like everyone is taught to have a correct political stand since they were born. For example, when a man shows his vulnerability to others, like crying in public, revealing fear in front of people, or showing signs of grievance, people will preach that his behaviour is shameful because it is against the traditional notions of masculinity in people's minds. Other than that, if a man starts to put makeup on and wear girlish clothing and splendour accessories, people will deliver a strange gaze or even eyeball him directly. With my further understanding of masculinity, traditional masculinity and femininity no longer have a distinct notion in my mind, and people can’t define gender by naked eyes.

In Ways of Seeing, Berger states that how people see their cognition and belief control stuff. What we see is what we are actually looking at, as well as things that are connected to it. However, over time until the emerging visual images, people’s visions are overloaded with tons of visual information. Gradually, people’s perceptions towards gender started to change by images.

Could you share your journey as an artist and photographer, particularly focusing on your exploration of masculinity and urban dynamics in your work?

My career in art began with a digital camera. In my early works, photography was the primary medium of creation, with each image captured within the frame becoming my artistic language. Photography magnifies the details of life, allowing time to pause and enabling us to step outside the limitations of our own perspectives, acting as a third eye to observe the world.

Afterwards, I continued experimenting by integrating photography with installation and performance art, moving beyond the singular use of photography as a medium. The combination of multiple mediums has broadened the scope of my creative forms. Based on self-critique and philosophical reasoning, I started to further explore the experimental nature of my work and how it could be better aligned with contemporary contexts.

My themes of creation also changed as the media I used evolved. In many of my earlier photographic works, I explored the fluidity of gender through the lens, primarily addressing how traditional gender stereotypes should be challenged and how traditional masculinity should be treated. An individual's body should freely express its innate characteristics and be liberated from societal constraints. I hope my work encourages viewers to break the boundaries of their own thinking, continually exploring and connecting their inner worlds with the external environment.

Later, as my creative media became more diverse, I also began to focus more on the problems of "urban residual syndrome" that continually plague contemporary urbanites. Artificial lighting, highways, public installations, and urban planning are constantly changing the way humans live, covering both the physical and sensory experiences of contemporary urbanites. My work aims to explore the symbiotic relationship between people, cities, and nature. It serves as a vessel that carries the urbanites' sense of alienation from nature.

Your work delves into the complexities of masculinity and societal norms. What drives your artistic exploration of these themes, and how do you translate them into visual narratives in your photography?

For me, the exploration of masculinity and societal norms began with my own upbringing and the mutual influence between my personal growth and changes in the external environment. In society, each person's basic characteristics are transformed into symbols used to define and represent others. People tend to use fixed perceptions to define others, ignoring what lies beyond their cognitive scope, which I find to be a very narrow view. Plato's Allegory of the Cave inspired me, the cave symbolises the world accessible to the human senses, while stepping out of the cave to see the sun represents the soul ascending from the visible world to the realm of ideas, which only the spirit can comprehend. When I realised the standardisation of masculinity imposed by society, I began to "step out of my own cave," and only then did I recognise that the masculinity I was supposed to embody was not the real "me." Inspired by these philosophical concepts, I transform them into tangible visual effects in my work.

Could you elaborate on the techniques and processes you employ to convey the fluidity and inclusivity of gender identity, as well as any specific photographic techniques or stylistic choices you utilise to address the complexities of gender identity and societal norms in your artwork?

Firstly, in terms of costumes, I consciously choose subversive elements. I dress male models in exaggerated pink floral dresses and delicate makeup, with blossoming flowers adorning their heads. These elements are often labelled as feminine in contemporary society, and my aim is to create a visual provocation.

In fact, historically, skirts were initially worn by men, from ancient Egypt and Greece to ancient China, where it was common for men to wear robes. Furthermore, stockings and makeup were once popular attire for men in European history, and pink was once considered a masculine colour. However, these symbols have been forgotten over time. The social definition of gender is constantly changing, and therefore, gender labels should be regarded as meaningless constructs. Who defines beauty? Is it the societal frameworks that bind us, or is it our inner, fearless true selves?

As for lighting, I employ classical lighting effects, reminiscent of the light and shadows in mediaeval oil paintings, yet reinterpreted under the capture of a modern digital camera. This approach is also for the reasons mentioned, societal definitions and aesthetic perceptions are fluid and cyclical. We should not define a person's worth and identity through external symbols.

Your artwork "Escaping Freedom" presents a thought-provoking commentary on societal expectations and gender norms. How do you select materials and mediums to express your conceptual ideas effectively?

The reason I chose photography as the medium for this piece is because, as a form of visual art, it not only offers immediacy and a strong visual impact but also has the power to touch the viewer's emotions deeply. Photography, as a medium that captures reality, reveals the inner truth of its subjects in a unique way.

Furthermore, the camera itself plays the role of a perfect observer, it is objective and carries no prejudices - it merely records. However, people often fail to view others without bias, and the act of staring frequently occurs.

In discussions of gender norms and societal conditioning, the phenomenon of "being gazed upon" due to gender labels is particularly pronounced. When an individual's gender characteristics do not conform to mainstream expectations, they may face discrimination and criticism. The characteristic of photography makes it an ideal medium to explore these issues because it exposes the societal tendency to label individuals - a perspective often filled with prejudice. These biases do not originate from the camera, but from those who view the photographs.

Your photographs invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions of gender and identity. How do you envision viewers interacting with and interpreting your artwork in the context of contemporary societal discussions?

My photographic works are not only discussions about gender labels and norms, they serve as an invitation, an open forum for dialogue designed to prompt viewers to reevaluate and reflect on the complex relationships between self and societal conditioning.

Against the broad backdrop of contemporary society, each viewer approaches my work with their unique gender, nationality, and cultural background, facing different challenges and issues. Through my art, I aim to inspire viewers to apply a mindset of challenging societal norms and resisting the gaze in their own lives.

My work attempts to break the chains of traditional notions and encourage a more open and reflective societal conversation. In this process, viewers are not merely passive recipients but active participants, whose interpretations and interactions help to shape a diverse and inclusive framework of understanding.

I envision my artwork as a catalyst, sparking an exploration of the tension between personal identity and societal norms. This exploration extends beyond gender discussions to encompass finding one's place and voice in a constantly changing world. Thus, my work is an invitation for each viewer to cross cultural and personal boundaries and engage in an ongoing dialogue about freedom, identity, and transformation.

Your work has gained recognition through exhibitions and publications internationally. How do you perceive the reception of your art, and what impact do you hope it has on challenging societal constructs?

My artwork has gained a certain level of recognition internationally, which I believe is not only an affirmation of my creative output but also reflects the audience's attention and response to the social issues I explore, such as gender stereotypes and identity. This attention is a positive development, indicating that people are beginning to resist the irrational aspects of traditional societal conditioning, especially those stereotypical norms related to gender and societal expectations.

In my view, art is not merely for aesthetic display, it is a challenge, a call to action, aimed at stimulating viewers to deeply reflect on and question entrenched societal structures. I hope my work serves as a spark that touches the soul, encouraging people not only to reconsider the diversity of gender and identity but also to promote discussion and reflection on broader societal issues. Even if the changes are minor, I hope that one day the world will become more open and inclusive.

What future themes or concepts are you eager to explore in your artistic practice, and how do you see your work evolving in response to ongoing societal changes?

In my future artistic endeavours, I will continue to address the topics I have often discussed, such as resisting gender labels and societal conditioning. However, moving forward, I plan to expand my focus beyond just gender issues to include a broader range of minority groups, exploring the injustices and scrutiny they face in society.

I aim to challenge those societal structures considered authoritative, especially those old ideas and prejudices rooted in the patriarchal society of our era. My goal is to deconstruct societal norms that allow only a mainstream narrative to prevail, opening a window for more diverse voices to be heard and for different life experiences and modes of existence to be understood and respected.

ARTIST BIO

HAILING FROM CHINA, XU RECEIVED HIS bachelor of arts in photography FROM THE London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, IN 2021. SPLITTING HIS TIME BETWEEN SHANGHAI AND LONDON, HE WON THE 2024 Venice Premio Arte Biennale Prize AND HIS WORK HAS GARNERED RECOGNITION THROUGH VARIOUS EXHIBITIONS, INCLUDING SHOWCASES AT A60 Contemporary Art Space in Milan (2021), The Holy Art in London (2021), AND THE UAL Graduate Showcase 2021 IN LONDON. MOREOVER, HIS ARTISTIC CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN ESTEEMED PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLICATIONS SUCH AS Iconic Artist Magazine in Europe (2019), Schön Magazine in London (2020), AND PhotoVogue IN ITALY.

REVIEW

Bangte Xu's photography is a captivating exploration of masculinity and societal norms, offering viewers a thought-provoking glimpse into the complexities of gender identity in contemporary society. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional photography techniques with avant-garde concepts sets him apart as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

One aspect of Xu's work that stands out is his masterful use of symbolism and composition to convey his thematic message. In "Escaping Freedom," for example, the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine elements creates a visually striking tableau that challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of gender. Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for visual storytelling, Xu invites viewers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.

Furthermore, Xu's exploration of masculinity goes beyond surface-level aesthetics, delving into the deeper psychological and societal implications of gender identity. By capturing moments of vulnerability and introspection, he prompts viewers to confront their own biases and preconceived notions, fostering a more inclusive dialogue about gender and identity.

While Xu's work is undoubtedly thought-provoking and visually arresting, there are moments where the thematic message may feel somewhat obscured by the complexity of the imagery. In some instances, viewers may find themselves grappling with the meaning behind the visuals, requiring a deeper engagement with the work to fully appreciate its significance.

Overall, Bangte Xu's photography represents a bold and innovative approach to exploring masculinity and societal norms. Through his evocative imagery and meticulous attention to detail, he challenges viewers to confront their own assumptions and biases, sparking a dialogue about gender identity and the human experience in contemporary society. As an artist, Xu continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.