Xiyadie

Xiyadie is a Chinese artist. He is known for using traditional Chinese paper cutting to incorporate themes of gay identity, personal struggle, and societal critique.

Early life and background

Xiyadie was born on August 27, 1963, in a small village in Shaanxi province in northwestern China. Xiyadie grew up in a conservative environment based on traditional values. From an early age, he was aware of his attraction to men, but due to societal pressure, he married a woman and had two children.
He began his work as an artist in the 1980s. His art features Chinese paper cutting, which he saw as a means to connect with his ancestry while exploring his identity and discussing queer themes and experiences.
His major works include Joy , Xiang , Music , and Train .

Exhibitions and recognition

In 2009, he was included in the Difference-Gender exhibition of LGBTQ Chinese artists. In 2024, Xiyadie held a solo show titled "Queer Cut Utopias" at The Drawing Center in New York City. Xiyadie's art featured in the Richard Saltoun Gallery and Blindspot Gallery. His was included in the collection Contemporary Queer Chinese Art: A Buried Voice.