Ava Yikun Xu (b. 1998, Chengdu) is a dynamic artist who resides and creates in the vibrant cities of Boston, MA and Queens, NY. With a powerful academic background, she holds a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Xu's artistic practice delves deep into the exploration of female representation, particularly focusing on the fetishization of Asian women. Through her evocative and multi-dimensional creations, Xu provides a fresh and compelling perspective on gender, sexuality, and cultural identity. Her art encourages viewers to question prevailing narratives and assumptions, inviting them to engage in a nuanced dialogue surrounding the complexities of representation. By skillfully intertwining critical inquiry with visual aesthetics, Xu's work not only captivates the senses but also sparks essential conversations about empowerment, agency, and the varied experiences of women.

Artist Statement

My work challenges the fetishization of Asian women by deconstructing and materializing female body parts, stripping them of sexual connotations. By presenting them as weighty, textural objects, I provoke dialogue on representation, gender, and cultural identity. Through my art, I aim to spark introspection, question assumptions, and foster a nuanced understanding of women's experiences in our modern world.