Showsight November 2020

MODERN MASTERS

FAN YU

Fan works on Ground View , a life-size bust of a Tibetan Mastiff.

For admirers of contemporary canine artists, the lively work of Fan Yu is surely among the most recognizable. For the past 15 years, the Chinese- born virtuoso has become an important figure in both the art and show worlds, offering his gifts freely for the benefit of discerning patrons and adoring devotees. Fan’s passion for sculpture is rooted in his boundless obsession with animals. “The special love for animals—especially dogs— has always accompanied me, from childhood to adulthood, ever growing,” he writes. As a boy, Fan would often accompany his father to the zoo, where he’d spend the day making sketches. Every time Fan saw books about animals, he would buy them to use as his study guides. As anyone who has seen his work can attest, Fan was surely a dedicated student. His understanding of animal anatomy is clearly evident through his masterful ability to transform clay into flesh and fur, tendon and tissue, muscle and movement. Fan’s true gift is bringing his figures to life. Fan was born in Beijing into a family of architecture professionals. Raised in the Imperial City, he was exposed to classical Chinese archi- tecture that, undoubtedly, informed his artistic talent. Fan writes, how- ever, that his abilities may be “inborn” and “inherited from his parents.” He’s never systematically studied sculpture as a discipline. Nevertheless, his sensitivity toward his subjects has allowed him to produce works that virtually come alive. For many years, Fan had also applied his skills as a professional handler and master groomer. However, he made the decision three years ago to follow his heart and pursue his passion as a professional sculptor. The dog fancy and the art world are glad he did. Fan created his first sculpture of the legendary Kerry Blue Terrier Ch. Torums Scarf Michael. In 2009, he traveled to the US to present his work to “Mick’s” handler, Bill McFadden. The unveiling has since prompted commissions from collectors as well as several parent clubs, all-breed associations, and the AKC Museum of the Dog. The museum displayed Fan’s Havanese, Cuba Dancer, earlier this year as part of an exhibition that coincided with Westminster Week. Several of his recent works have also received international accolades. In 2019, his Clumber Spaniel, The Greatest Love, was a 2019 finalist at the 14th International ARC Salon Competition, and his Afghan Hound, Moonwalking, and German Shep- herd Dog, Dauntless, were 2020 finalists at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries. Fan hopes that his sculptures reflect his love for dogs and allow the hearts of their admirers to be filled with the power of warmth, love and light. In his words, “Every conversation between my fingers and clay is more or less an enlightening debate, the winner of which is never the affirmative or the negative, but the unique soul that provokes such discourse.”

The Brightest Star (Borzoi and Skye Terrier). Bronze, 15.5 x 6.5 x 8 ins.

In the Moonlight (Longhaired Dachshunds). Original Wax Clay, 17 x 5.5 x 5.5 ins.

Moon Walking (Afghan Hound). Bronze, 22 x 5 x 17.5 ins.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020 | 93

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