Metamorphosis of a butterfly: Neo-liberal subjectivation and queer autonomy in Xiyadie's papercutting art

Hongwei Bao

doi:10.1386/jcca_00006_1

Abstract

Abstract Celebrated as 'China's Tom of Finland', Xiyadie is probably one of the best-known queer artists living in China today. His identity as a gay man from rural China and his method of using the Chinese folk art of papercutting for queer artistic expression make him a unique figure in contemporary Chinese art. As the first academic article on the artist and his works, this article examines Xiyadie's transformation of identity in life and his representation of queer experiences through the art of papercutting. Using a critical biographical approach, in tandem with an analysis of his representative artworks, I examine the transformation of Xiyadie's identity from a folk artist to a queer artist. In doing so, I delineate the transformation and reification of human subjectivity and creativity under transnational capitalism. Meanwhile, I also seek possible means of desubjectivation and human agency under neo-liberal capitalism by considering the role of art in this picture. This article situates Xiyadie's life and artworks in a postsocialist context where class politics gave way to identity politics in cultural production. It calls for a reinvigoration of Marxist and socialist perspectives for a nuanced critical understanding of contemporary art production and social identities.

Highlights

Celebrated as ‘China’s Tom of Finland’ (Fan 2018), Xiyadie (Figure 1) is probably one of the best-known queer artists living in China today.1 He uses the traditional Chinese handcraft of papercutting to express homoerotic themes and personal feelings
In China, he is primarily known within urban queer communities. His works were first exhibited at Difference-Gender, China’s first queer art exhibition organized by the Beijing LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Centre in 2009
Despite the official recognition of his papercutting works as ‘folk art’ and the gaining of artistic agency and autonomy inspired by the two filmmakers, Xiyadie artworks would not have become ‘queer art’ and gained an international reputation without the recognition of his gay identity by the transnational LGBTQ Movement

Summary

Introduction

Celebrated as ‘China’s Tom of Finland’ (Fan 2018), Xiyadie (Figure 1) is probably one of the best-known queer artists living in China today.1 He uses the traditional Chinese handcraft of papercutting to express homoerotic themes and personal feelings. Despite the official recognition of his papercutting works as ‘folk art’ and the gaining of artistic agency and autonomy inspired by the two filmmakers, Xiyadie artworks would not have become ‘queer art’ and gained an international reputation without the recognition of his gay identity by the transnational LGBTQ Movement.

Results

Conclusion