Xiao Wen Xu is a Chinese-born Canadian artist based in Toronto, Canada, whose creative journey began at the tender age of three in her hometown of Tianjin, China. Initially drawn to the world of painting through weekend art classes, her passion for art blossomed early, leading her to dream of a career as a professional painter by the end of kindergarten.
Xiao Wen Xu navigated towards what some might consider a more "practical" path, pursuing studies in Architecture. Graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Masters of Architecture in 2018, she dedicated three years to practicing architecture while nurturing her love for painting during her spare moments, participating in juried exhibitions along the way.
In 2021, Xiao Wen Xu found herself admitted to CAMH Hospital in Toronto, where the transformative power of art became evident as a beacon of hope and solace in her life. Following her recovery, she resolved to follow her true passion wholeheartedly, transitioning to a full-time career in painting. In a remarkable gesture, she dedicated her initial year’s painting proceeds to CAMH as a gesture of gratitude.
Her artistic practice is deeply influenced by her profound appreciation for the natural world. In her series, "Imagined Flora," she draws inspiration from childhood memories, reimagining flowers with a bold and vibrant palette. Through a masterful blend of wet-on-wet and dry-on-wet watercolor techniques, she captures the essence of happiness and joy, inviting viewers to escape into a "new romantic world" of her creation.
Xiao Wen Xu's art has been featured in renowned galleries like Show Gallery, Paula White Diamond Gallery, and Art Gallery of Hamilton. Her work is cherished in private collections across Canada, China, Barbados, and the US, and is also part of the public collection of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Based in Toronto, she's a prominent figure in the local art scene, with two successful solo exhibitions in 2022 and 2023.
