A Wedding Photo by Xie Xinxin.

 

Bold colors, bouncy strokes and flamboyant depiction are the prominent characteristics of the paintings by Xie Xinxin. The expressiveness, creativity and emotionality embodied in her art works often win over a number of exhibition viewers.

 

Xie, born in 1988 in Chengdu, lives with cerebral palsy, which imposes both physical and mental challenges. However, difficulties fail to stop her from realizing her full potential. Taking up a paintbrush, she dives into the painting world. The paintbrush is her "invisible wings" that helps her fly over the difficulties and challenges, said Xie with a cutest smile in an interview. 

 

Xie displayed a strong interest in and a surprising talent for painting when she was very young. Then her mother, Xu Yujiang, found teachers for her and took her works to exhibitions and competitions. In 2013, they joined 5 Colors Foundation, a charity organization. 

 

The organization dates back to 2008 when a devastating earthquake hit Wenchuan, Sichuan province, on May 12. Zhou Chunya, an influential contemporary painter, then founded 5 Colors to help children who were severely injured or tramatized to recover with art and painting. It later expanded to help people living with physical or mental challenges. In the past decade, the organization has provided long-term support for more than 300 people.

 

For Xie and her families, painting serves as a bridge between her inner world and the outside world. By injecting her emotionality into the works, she is revealing to others her turbulent inner self.

 

 Xie Xinxin is painting a female portrait at the 5 Colors studio. 

 

By gathering together at 5 Colors studio, Xie and people like her, as well as their families who gives constant attention and care, can draw comfort from the fact that they are not alone — others are facing the same challenges at the same time. 

 

Meanwhile, 5 Colors Foundation has its artists' paintings exhibited. It turns out that viewers truly appreciate these art works, which helps the artists there recognize their values and build their confidence. Last year, it was invited by the Chengdu Biennale where 11 artists' paintings were exhibited. With the theme of "OVERCOME", this special exhibition truly impressed people with its sheer power. 

 

"There's a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." Xie and people like her shine with resilience and optimism, and they are inspiring others to be their best and live a colorful life. 

 

Edited by Wu Cuiyao

Image Source: 5 Colors Foundation