Alisan Fine Arts is pleased to present Xie Xiaoze: The Archaeology of Knowledge, the artist’s debut exhibition with the gallery and his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong. As the opening act of Alisan Atelier in 2025, the exhibition presents a thought-provoking selection of oil paintings, ink on paper and resin and porcelain sculptures- primarily drawing from Xie’s acclaimed Chinese Library series and Amber of History series. These works excavate the ancient poetics and contemporary relevance of books and knowledge.

Born in rural Guangdong province in 1966, Xie was profoundly influenced by early memories of his father, a school principal, being forced to collect books for destruction during the Cultural Revolution. After moving to the United States in 1993, where he now serves as a professor of art at Stanford University, Xie developed a deep fascination with books. This led him to explore major museums and libraries worldwide, including return visits to China,investigating repositories of past knowledge. For over three decades, his practice has focused on unravelling the complex relationships between knowledge, history and power through paintings, installations, photographs and videos.

Opening Reception Saturday, 11 January

Gallery address: 1904 Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Road, Aberdeen