Swordsgirl VI
- Xu Hualing, Chinese, 1975-
- Born: Harbin, China
- Work Locations: Beijing, China
Xu Hualing
Swordsgirl VI, 2007
Watercolor on silk
Gift from Vicki and Kent Logan to the Collection of the Denver Art Museum, 2010.487
© Xu Hualing
Xu Hualing uses traditional techniques to explore the conflicted identities of Chinese women in the post-Mao era. Her Swordsgirl series centers on the strength of women who liberate themselves as well as others. With bold red lips and fingernails, the women stare confidently at the viewer, sometimes brandishing their swords. In contrast, the subject’s figures are depicted using a delicate line that presents the women in an almost ghostly way. The subject and technique provide an interesting contrast where strong sensuous women are portrayed in a soft feminine way. Hualing also draws inspiration from her childhood fascination with Hong Kong and Taiwanese Kung Fu movies as well as popular culture.
Some images in our online collection are at thumbnail size, in accordance with AAMD guidelines, because they are protected by copyright. The Denver Art Museum respects the rights of artists or their representatives who retain the copyright to their work. Other images represent the best photography available and should be used as reference images only. Please complete the Image Rights Request form if you want to request a high resolution image.
