8db08494-46bb-4f91-b9ee-4ed4734dbc42.jpg (Photo : Global Times)
A Chinese sculptor's traveling exhibit of works depicting chubby women is currently in London, according to the Global Times.
Xu Hongfei, who is also president of the Guangzhou Sculpture Academy, brought his "Chubby Women" sculptures to the English capital in June after stints in other cities around the world, the first of which happened in 2013.
Xu said that his intention with his works is to quash stereotypes surrounding big women.
"Why is being chubby always associated with ugliness? I want to restore the beauty of their nature," the artist told the Global Times.
One of the sculptures he brought with him to London is titled "Ride On," which depicts a fat woman atop a horse in motion.
"Ride On" is on display at the Trent Park Equestrian Centre, in keeping with his intention to exhibit his works outdoors.
"Sculptures in art galleries tend to be distant and out of reach. I want viewers to get closer to my sculptures and interact with them," Xu said.
As the Global Times noted, Xu's "Chubby Women" are reminiscent of art during the Tang Dynasty, between 618 and 907, when plump women were the subjects of art forms such as painting, sculpture and poetry.
Xu said that his chosen subjects elicit the joys felt by ordinary women.
"My 'Chubby Women' are lively characters with a sense of humor. Most of the time, they tell stories about life, love and family. These are pleasurable themes, which are universal throughout the world," he said.
Xu's "Chubby Women" have been shown in Australia, Italy, france, the U.K., Singapore and China, and will travel to other locations after the London stop.
