Fan devotes most of his time in pursuit of higher realms of art and the artistic creation. He was beginning to participate in exhibitions from 2018. Besides the satisfaction and achievements brought by honor, Fan Yu hopes the process of creating will also be an opportunity for reflection and self-examination, helping him maintain an objective and ever-advancing attitude towards creation, that’s part of what make him success.
In August 2019, after more than six months’ planning, Fan held his first solo sculpture exhibition "Fan-tastic" at Pure Ground Gallery in Beijing Art Landmark 798 Art District, which became an turning point in his sculpture career and made the year 2019 another milestone year. He specially invited one of the greatest sculptors in our time - Mr. Nick Bibby from the United Kingdom, who greatly influenced him in the field of sculpture and the most important sculptor for him to wrote a preface for his first exhibition. This was a great encouragement and honor for Fan, making "Fan-tastic" full of significance. The exhibition displayed 30 sculptures in bronze created by Fan since 2009 which greatly impressed and overwhelmed the audience, becoming a sensational feast of fine art and sensory pleasure for fanciers. Many people can’t help being moved to tears when they saw Fan’s works, they contain enormous vitality and bursting physicality.
Perface
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
2018
Arabian Horse: "Leader" - Finalist of American Artists Professional League 90th Grand National Exhibition at Salmagundi Club, New York.
2019
"Fan-tastic" solo exhibition at Pure Ground Gallery in Beijing Art Landmark 798 Art District.
Clumber Spaniel: "The Greatest Love" - Finalist of 14th International ARC Salon Competition 2019.
"Running Whippet"- The de Laszlo Foundation Award for Excellence and Finalist of Royal Society of British Artist Annual Exhibition at Mall Gallery, London.
Afghan Hound "Moon Walking" - Award in honor of Paul Jeynes and Finalist at 106th Allied Artists Annual Exhibition at Salmagundi Club, New York.
Arabian Horse、Afghan Hound & Rottweiler exhibited at Art Beijing Exhibtion.
2020
Afghan Hound "Moon Walking"、German Shepherd "Dauntless" Finalist of Royal Society of British Artist Annual Exhibition at Mall Gallery, London.
2021
Standard Poodle “Siba” exhibited at Art Beijing Exhibtion.
2022
"Fantasic Friends" first solo exhibition in the United States at Bunny Gunner Gallery in Claremont, California.
Lake Terrier “Hola”Finalist of the Society of Animal Artists 62nd Annual Exhibition at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, California.
Rainbow Trout “Joyful leaping”Finalist of The Animals of North America Exhibiton by the Society of Animal Artist.
2023
Irish Setter “Blaze of Glory”Finalist and Marilyn Newmark Meorial Award of National Sculpture Society 130th Anniversary & 90th Annual Awards Exhibition at Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
French Bulldogs “Man in the Mirror”Finalist and Josephine Beardsley Sandor Memorial Award of ALLIED ARTISTS OF AMERICA 110th Annual Juried Exhibition at Butler Institute of American Art , Youngstown Ohio
Doberman Pinscher “My Blue” Has been selected to the one of 200 final works out of over 4000 entries at Royal Society of British Artists 200th Anniversary Exhibition at Mall Gallery, London.
2024
Whippet “Wind Watching”
Exhibiting at Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island, South Carolina from Feb-Dec.