Guixun Xu - Master of Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting

President-elect Joe Biden receives a gift of artwork from artist Guixun Xu

Guixun Xu is a Chinese calligrapher and ink painting artist who started his career at an early age. He studied with Jinrong Professor Chen Dayu, an artist and educator in Chinese painting, calligraphy, and seal carving. In 1992, Guixun Xu attended the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and was under the tutelage of Professor Wang Yong. He is currently very involved in the art industry and gives his time to many organizations.

Guixun Xu is currently a member of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, Executive Dean of the Enlightened Painting Academy of the Democratic Progressive Central Committee, a Director of the Chinese Folk Artists Association, the former Vice Chairman of the Central Government Branch of the Chinese Calligraphers Association, a member of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an Executive Director of the Jiangsu Overseas Friendship Association,member of the Standing Committee of Suzhou CPPCC, Vice President of Suzhou Buddhist Association, Executive Vice President of Suzhou Overseas Friendship Association, Executive Vice President and Art Director of Suzhou Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and President of Suzhou Contemporary Painting and Calligraphy Art Research Institute.

In its distinctive Chinese form, calligraphy is a source of pride and tradition in arts education that embodies important aspects of the China's cultural and artistic heritage. It takes many years of study and repetition to become a respected calligrapher. The tools are simple and easy to locate in China, but it is the skills of using the brush and ink and having a recognizable style that distinguish the artists from each other.

Like calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, or guohua (gwor-hwaa), is done using a brush dipped in ink, and is usually done on an absorbent paper or silk which can give the look of a soft watercolor wash, or an intense color painting, depending on the amount of ink and water and brush style. The finished work is often mounted on scrolls and hung, but can also be done on porcelain and lacquer ware.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton receives a scroll painting from artist Guixan Xu

While many of Guixun Xu's paintings are done in the traditional style, he does sometimes blend in a contemporary subject into his artwork and in his ink paintings. To focus attention on the subject, he will often leave a large amount of empty space around it, with calligraphy added to tell more about the artwork.

Guixun Xu has published several books of his artwork including "Collection of Guixun Xu’s Calligraphy Works" published by China Federation of Literary and Art Publishing House, "Collection of Guixun Xu’s Works" published by Henan Education Publishing House, "New Works of Chinese Contemporary Calligraphy Masters·Collection of Guixun Xu” published by People's Fine Arts Publishing House, "Inkstone Cuncultivation-Collection of Xu Guixun Xu’s Works", and "Inkstone Cuncultivation-Collection of Guixun Xu’s Calligraphy Nanjing Exhibition" published by China Art Publishing House.

Nobel Prize in Literature winner Mo Yan with artist Guixun Xu

Guixun Xu’s calligraphy works have won awards, including the first Gold Medal of the First National Ying League. In 2012, he was awarded the Excellent Work Award of the Fourth National Book Flanting Award. His work has been shown at many exhibitions, including the National Art Museum of China, National Exhibition and the China Youth Exhibition.