In its acclaimed lifestyle video series, Yit highlights the unique living space and creative philosophy of FQM artist Chen Duxi. As a millennial artist who has lived in Beijing for 16 years and moved eight times, Chen has finally settled in a 70-square-meter apartment. The compact home, designed without a traditional bedroom, reflects his minimalist yet purposeful approach to life. Instead, the space features a study and a tea room; when tired, Chen rests on the tatami in the study. His home is both a sanctuary and an extension of his artistic practice. Filled with carefully curated objects—ranging from a 1950s Danish sofa to a late Ming Dynasty roof ornament, sea urchin specimens, and plant seeds—Chen’s collection and study of objects not only enriched his life but also inspired him to create artworks.
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Chen Duxi’s artistic journey is as diverse as his living space. Once a drummer in a university rock band, he has since become an accomplished artist known for his ink paintings. Over the years, his style has evolved from surrealism to a focus on traditional aesthetics and a deep exploration of natural themes. He views wu wei (inaction) as a philosophy for life. By diminishing the constraints of time and external distractions, he finds peace through observing nature and trekking, drawing energy from these practices. His paintings focus on themes of flora, fauna, and water, with particular attention to the claws, spines, and other features of animals that symbolize aggression and defense. These elements are transformed into a striking visual language, as seen in his representative series Chi Yi and Er Gong. Er Gong focuses on the philosophy of life in flora and fauna, while Chi yi uses water as a motif to evoke profound reflections on nature and life. The artist acknowledges the influence of his open-minded family on his lifestyle. As he states, “Being popular in the art market is not the ultimate goal, respecting my true nature is what matters most. ”
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