Information Beans: Xuhong Shang Gives SIUC Internation Presence

After solo exhibitions in Switzerland, Japan, and Spain, an SIUC professor’s showing in China has caught the eye of NY Arts Magazine.

Xuhong Shang, a professor in painting for the School of Art and Design at SIUC, presented his project “Momentary” at the Stir Gallery in Shanghai, China from July 25 to August 30. NY Arts Magazine reviewed his work in the April/May 2009 issue.

In the article, Shang said, “My paintings in the ‘Momentary’ series seek to achieve depth and primitive simplicity, which must be able to portray hard-to-catch scenes as if they leap up before the eyes and imply meaning between the tones.”

According to Shang, “Momentary” displays various landscape paintings and photos of airports, challenging the viewer’s distinction between illusion and reality.

Shang believes the article will give SIUC some international exposure. However, it is not the first time Shang has been reviewed by a major publication. According to Shang, he has been reviewed by Asian Art News, World Journal, and Sculpture magazine.

Shang said his latest project, “A Paradise Up in the Air,” was reviewed by Glen Brown , an art history professor at Kansas State University. The project began at the Muskegon Museum of Art in Muskegon, Michigan on September 24, according to museum director Judith Hayner.

“I went to Muskegon and people say ‘Oh, you’re from SIUC.’ So there are certainly a lot of young students that notice you’re from SIUC,” Shang said. “It is always a great opportunity to talk about our program. This is why we always attract a lot of students for our student programs.”

Jerry Monteith, head of graduate studies in the School of Art and Design, says Shang’s international reputation will attract students to SIUC.

“It’s always good for faculty members to have exposure,” Monteith said. “It really reflects not only on his own work, but also reflects on the stature of the School of Art and Design and the university by an extension.”

Ed Shay, a retired professor in painting, drawing, and printmaking for SIUC, said he also recognizes the importance of exhibiting internationally.

“I’ve been here for over thirty years and I’ve always thought of us of having a very strong international presence,” Shay said. “This is reflected by our student body as well as our faculty and he represents the best parts of fine arts in the School of Art and Design.”

Shang says it is important to be aggressive when exhibiting internationally, a philosophy he also uses for teaching.

“I always try to install some kind of professional discipline to my students,” Shang said. “I will continue to be a very high demanding teacher. I will continue to be that way because I see my students going out and having success.”

Shay said he appreciates Shang as a teacher as well as an artist.

“This is a guy who has proven to be a very strong teacher and a wonderful artist,” Shay said.

Shang said he finds teaching to be a very spiritual job, which brings him a lot of joy.

“I think teaching is very much like creating art,” Shang said. “Maybe someday you’ll pass away, but someone can take your legacy and continue, so your spirit is very much forever.”