"Shaping: Metalsmiths Dual Dialogue" unites two artists inspired by Deptford's metalworking heritage, crafting captivating narratives through metal and found objects. Huang, influenced by Taoist philosophy, molds metal into varied forms, evoking the essence of time. Xu delves into metal's emotional resonance, capturing scars and marks symbolizing conflicts. Transcending time, their artworks invite reflection on metal's profound significance and intertwine local heritage with contemporary expression. Join this harmonious yet contrasting artistic dialogue, exploring the multifaceted nature of metal.

About the Artists:

Xuemei Huang (b.1984, China) conveys her understanding of life, her interpretation of philosophy from life experience in her art works using unlimited materials. She got her B. Engineering degree in Food Science and Engineering from China Agricultural University in 2005 and worked as a Customs officer after graduation until 2021 when she enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Art programme in Goldsmiths. In her recent study in MFA in Fine Art, Goldsmiths, she primarily explores her engagement with Taoist philosophy through painting and metal sculpture, delving into concepts such as the formless nature of the Tao, the contrasting elements of material emptiness and substance, and the concept of usefulness in uselessness.

Dengqian Xu (b.1998, China) graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 2022. He is currently studying at Goldsmiths MFA fine art programme. Xu's work encompasses a wide range of forms, with performance, installation and sculpture as the main means of expressing his inner feelings. Violence is one of the main elements in his work, and his performances are explosive and dangerous, resisting the absurdity of the world through some of the more absurd performances.