Biography of Artist Xu "Joseph" Zhou

      (As Published in the International Famous Magazine - March Issue)

 

         Xu Zhou, pronounced as "Shoe Joe", is a distinguished artist whose journey commenced with the attainment of a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Xi'an College of Arts in China. An Art Auction Specialist with UNICEF Canada, Xu holds esteemed roles in various artistic organizations. Xu serves as a Member of the Society, holds the Chief position at the Canada International Vision Art Center; the honorary chairmanship of the Canadian Artist Association, and extends his expertise as a Visiting Professor at the Ontario University of Art and Design. Xu participates in the academic committee of the China Dictionary and acts as a consultant to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Chinese Calligraphers & Painters Association. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy at Ontario College of Art & Design University.

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          In 2001, Xu opened his art gallery in Macau, marking the inception of an illustrious artistic career. His contributions have garnered international acclaim, securing his position as one of the most popular artists in both Asia and North America.

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          Xu has been commissioned by the Chinese government to create artworks centered around various significant subjects. Currently, he is engrossed in "The Endless Footstep - The Life of Xi Zhongxun," a project initiated by The Central Literature Press. Xi Zhongxun, the father of Xi Jinping, the current General Secretary of the Communist Party and President of China, serves as the inspiration for this endeavor. Zhou Xu has also been engaged in creating large paintings of Martyr Jiang Shangqing, father of the former Chairman of China, Jiang Zemin, as part of an initiative by The Central Literature Press and published by The Contemporary China Press. His artistic contributions extend to the publication of "Zhou Xu, the Top Twenty Artists of Chinese Painting" by Artist Magazine and Hainan Press. Additionally, his portfolio encompasses numerous other commissioned works, including "Hundreds Paintings of Chinese Martial Arts," "Hundreds Paintings of Chinese Historical Figures," "Hundreds Portraits of Zhong Kui" with inscriptions from hundreds of political leaders, "Large Painting of Martyr Xu Xiangqian," "Yu Youren Overlooking Mainland China," and "Martyr Ye Jianying," among others.

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         Since 1996, Xu has dedicated his artistic endeavors to depicting the history of China, with exhibitions held in Scotland, Japan, Singapore, the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Portugal, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. He has showcased his work in mainland China on ten occasions.

Xu, an eminent figure within the contemporary Chinese artist community, has made significant contributions, including painting oil canvases for the 2008 Olympic Games. He is often commissioned by the Chinese government for historically inspired artworks, portraits of governors, officials, and celebrities.

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          The overarching theme of Xu's artwork is rooted in significant Chinese historical events and individuals. His primary objective is to portray the strength and resilience of women and the love of mothers. His portfolio also encompasses depictions of dances in palaces, breathtaking landscapes, captivating portraits, and expressions of love's spirit. Xu has been bestowed the title of Chinese Contemporary Artist for the Royal Palace, with his artwork being showcased in numerous art galleries and museums around the world.

 

          Xu has consistently shown his commitment to philanthropy by contributing and donating to charitable causes in Tibet and impoverished areas of China. He is undeniably one of China's most gifted contemporary artists.

 

          In 2006, Xu held an art exhibition at the North York Central Library throughout December, featuring eighteen of his recent artworks. This collection included modern abstract paintings created with acrylic medium. The library expanded its collection by adding Zhou Xu's art album, which is available in both Chinese and Portuguese. An exclusive album published by The Chinese Artists Magazine was also included in the library's collection. During his visit to Canada, various Canadian newspapers, such as Canada's Sing Tao and Mingpao, reported on Zhou's exhibition. Additionally, overseas newspapers, including The Entertainment newspaper in Macau and Taiwan, highlighted Zhou's accomplishments in Canada. These articles were accompanied by photographs of his paintings.

 

         In 2007, Zhou was invited by "The Streets Ville Art Gallery" to showcase a small group of Asian-inspired artwork in the city of Mississauga.

 

          In 2009, Zhou's art life in Canada was featured in an article published by the "Ontario Local Newspaper," which garnered considerable attention and responses from the community. He was also honored with an invitation from the "Craig Scott Art Gallery" to exhibit his art at the Business Achievement Awards for the "Canada Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council."

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          In the winter of 2008, Xu held an art exhibition at The Wellington Art Gallery.

 

          In October 2010, he participated in the "Annual Richmond Hill Studio Tour & Art Sale" in Richmond Hill.

 

          In 2010, Xu's artwork found a distinguished collector in the President of China, Hu Jintao, during Mr. Hu's visit to Canada for the G20 Summit.

 

          In 2011, Xu's autobiography, titled "From the City Wall to the Red Wall, the Contemporary Royal Artist Autobiography," was published in Macau, the first edition sold out within six months of publication.

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          In 2012, Xu launched the "Red Classics, Xu Zhou's Touring Art Exhibitions" across various cities in China. He also took on the role of organizer and director of the "2012 In Support of UNICEF Charitable Night."

 

          In 2013, Zhou Xu's "Modern Abstract Painting Album" was published by He Bei Media Press.

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          In 2014, Xu Zhou received an honorable certificate from the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and the China Disabled Person’s Federation. Simultaneously, Mr. Zhou was recognized as the Charity Ambassador for his outstanding contributions at the 1st China Disabled Person Art Works Exhibition.

 

         In the same year, Xu was invited by McKay Art Gallery Centre to hold a solo exhibition in the City of Unionville, Ontario. McKay, one of the artist members of the Group of Seven, is one of the most renowned artist groups in Canada.

 

         In 2014, Xu's family was bestowed with the title of "The First Family of the Intellectual Scholar" by China's State Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film, and Television.

 

         In 2015, Xu's new art album, "The Endless Footstep - The Life of Xi Zhongxun" (initiated by The Central Literature Press), was published and released in Macau, Hong Kong, and North America. His latest art album was exhibited at the 70th-anniversary symposium and picture exhibition of the victory of the Anti-Japanese War and the World Anti-Fascist War, held at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The art album was also collected by the committee commemorating the 70th Anniversary of WWII in Asia. At the same time, Xu received the Peace Medal certificate for his dedicated efforts in preserving the truth of WWII history in Asia and fostering friendship between the people of Canada and China. This award was presented by the committee commemorating the 70th Anniversary of WWII in Asia.

 

         In 2015, in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Canada International Vision Art Centre, Xu, who serves as the chairman of the organization/company, received an honorary certificate from the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper.

 

         In 2016, Xu immigrated to the United States with an Extraordinary Ability Visa.

 

         In 2017, Xu was commissioned by Central Party Literature Press for the project, "One Belt and One Road - The Silk Road of Art." 

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         In 2018, Xu was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daya Prize in Literature and Culture, often referred to as the "Chinese Nobel Prize."

 

         In 2019, Xu was further distinguished with the Global Award for the Most Outstanding Artist in Culture and Arts over the past forty years in Chinese history.

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         Since relocating to Los Angeles, Xu has been appointed as an art director and consultant for various feature films. 

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         During the pandemic, Xu redefined his artistic perspective as the global crisis influenced his artistic interpretation. Shifting away from traditional portraiture of high-ranking officials, he seized the lockdown period to embark on a new artistic journey, delving into more profound and personal expressions. Xu's latest series of artworks, aptly titled "Nirvana. Eternal Life - The Poignant Pandemic," explore the internal struggles and intricate connections between humanity, the animal kingdom, and the spiritual realm. These exhibitions, held in both Canada and the United States, offered a contemplative exploration of these themes. Xu's innovative approach during this time garnered attention from mainstream media, including Phoenix TV, a prominent majority state-owned television network, which featured an insightful interview with the artist.

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         From 2022 to 2023, Xu participated in juried art exhibitions at the Beverly Hills Art Show.