Fan Yu devotes much of his time to the pursuit of artistic growth and creation. Since 2018, he has actively participated in juried exhibitions in the United States and internationally. Beyond the recognition and achievements that exhibitions may bring, Fan values the process itself as an opportunity for reflection and self-examination — a way to continually reassess his work, challenge himself, and move forward as an artist.

In August 2019, after more than six months of preparation, Fan presented his first solo sculpture exhibition, Fan-tastic, at Pure Ground Gallery in Beijing’s renowned 798 Art District. The exhibition marked an important turning point in his sculptural career and made 2019 another milestone in his artistic journey.

For this special occasion, Fan invited renowned British sculptor Nick Bibby, whose work and friendship have had a profound influence on his development as a sculptor, to write the preface for his inaugural solo exhibition. His words were both a great honor and a deeply meaningful encouragement to Fan.

Fan-tastic brought together 30 bronze sculptures created between 2009 and 2019, presenting a decade of Fan’s exploration of animals through sculpture. The exhibition offered audiences an opportunity to experience the vitality, physical presence, and individual character that have become central to his work.

For Fan, exhibitions are not simply a destination for finished works, but part of the continuing process of becoming a better artist.

---

Preface

As a sculptor myself, it is something new to be asked to write an introduction to an exhibition of sculpture. I am usually the one asking, not the one being asked. So when Fan Yu paid me the enormous compliment of asking whether I would consider writing the preface to his inaugural exhibition of sculpture, I was both flattered and a little daunted. I am a humble clay smith, not a wordsmith, and I worried that I might not be able to adequately convey in words, my admiration and respect for Fan Yu and his art.

Fan first introduced himself to me through social media, very shyly asking whether I would like to see some of his sculpture. This was over five years ago, and though Fan had only recently begun to sculpt, the moment I saw those early works I knew that I was looking at a real talent! Already his sculpture showed more mastery and skill than the work of many professional sculptors of high renown who have been sculpting their entire lives.

Since then, it has been my absolute pleasure to watch that talent blossom and grow.  We have talked often over the years about sculpting and sculpture and I am both proud and honoured to now count Fan Yu as a true friend.

As anyone viewing Fan’s works will immediately see, he loves his subjects and art with a passion and generosity of spirit that positively shines out of every piece! Fan’s sculptures, whether quietly at rest, in playful mood, or in dramatic, dynamic, action, each is full of character and joy of life (just like the man himself). 

As a fellow sculptor, all I can do is stand back in admiration of Fan’s ever-growing knowledge and skill. Anatomy, form and texture in perfect harmony - subtle muscle tension, or lack of that implies imminent movement, or complete relaxation. The flow of fur over form; the way it breaks and moves; his ability to portray strength and power, whilst simultaneously sculpting fur so rich and deep that, though it is cold hard bronze, you feel that, surely, you must be able to run your fingers through that beautiful, lustrous coat. I could go on, but I am sure you are eager to see the works themselves!

So in conclusion; it is with great pleasure and pride that I have the honour to introduce to you the new and exciting art and genius of my good friend and fellow sculptor, Fan Yu. Enjoy!

 

Nick Bibby

Compton, England

August 2019

 

---

 

 

---

Selected Exhibitions & Awards

2018

Arabian Horse — Leader
Finalist, 90th Grand National Exhibition, American Artists Professional League
Salmagundi Club, New York

2019

Fan-tastic
First Solo Sculpture Exhibition
Pure Ground Gallery, 798 Art District, Beijing

Clumber Spaniel — The Greatest Love
Finalist, 14th International ARC Salon

Whippet — Running Whippet
de Laszlo Foundation Award for Excellence
Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition
Mall Galleries, London

Afghan Hound — Moon Walking
Award in Honor of Paul Jeynes
106th Allied Artists of America Annual Exhibition
Salmagundi Club, New York

Arabian Horse, Afghan Hound & Rottweiler
Exhibited at Art Beijing

2020

Afghan Hound — Moon Walking
German Shepherd — Dauntless
Selected for the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition
Mall Galleries, London

2021

Standard Poodle — Siba
Exhibited at Art Beijing

2022

Fantastic Friends
First Solo Sculpture Exhibition in the United States
Bunny Gunner Gallery, Claremont, California

Lakeland Terrier — Hola
Finalist, 62nd Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, California

Rainbow Trout — Joyful Leaping
Selected for The Animals of North America exhibition
Society of Animal Artists

2023

Irish Setter — Blaze of Glory
Marilyn Newmark Memorial Award
National Sculpture Society 90th Annual Awards Exhibition
Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island, South Carolina

French Bulldogs — Man in the Mirror
Josephine Beardsley Sandor Memorial Award
Allied Artists of America 110th Annual Juried Exhibition
The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio

Doberman Pinscher — My Blue
Selected as one of approximately 200 works from more than 4,000 entries
Royal Society of British Artists 200th Anniversary Exhibition
Mall Galleries, London

2024

Whippet — Wind Watching
Exhibited at Brookgreen Gardens
Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Australian Shepherd — Five Guys
Finalist, 64th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists
Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City, Iowa

“Fan-tastic” — Fan Yu Sculpture Exhibition
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York
May 13–14, 2024

A special exhibition featuring more than 30 sculptures by Fan Yu, presented during the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The exhibition brought together works representing breeds across the major dog groups, marking 15 years since Fan created his first canine sculpture in 2009.