About the artwork
In Xie Ai Ge’s whimsical sketch of her ‘Upside Down’, part of her tree series, a figure balances perfectly on a tree, with its branches curved slightly. As the figure, perfectly composed, meditates silently, a bird, which represents freedom from the hustle and bustle of daily life, sits atop his knees. As both man and animal seem comfortable and unperturbed by their chance encounter, Xie Ai Ge suggests the importance of absolute harmony, where man is completely in sync with nature.
About the artist
Born in Hunan province in 1977, Xie Ai Ge made her name in the international art world with a host of remarkable works in bronze and synthetic materials. Graduated from the Shanghai Fine Arts College, she was recognized early as a promising young sculptor and in 2005, was acclaimed by art critics for her innovative work during her exhibition in the Shanghai Duolon Museum of Modern Art. The artist has progressed to exhibit globally with a focus on China and the US, where her works are part of many prestigious collections. Xie Ai Ge currently lives and works in Shanghai, China.