Interview by The Art of Man - Fifth Edition / Summer 2011
The Art of Man… …is a fine arts quarterly journal that seeks to bring balance to a genre of art that overwhelmingly favors the female figure. Every edition includes an historical reference, gallery interview, tips on collecting fine art, a directory of nearly 150 artists, and in-depth interviews with 5 artists that are courageous enough to focus on the male figure as a significant portion of their portfolio.
Abridgement from the interview:
"Musk Ming was born in China, since 2005 the young Chinese artist has lived and worked in Berlin... ... AOM: Why would you focus on the male figure when it would be shunned in China? MM: I criticize the lack of personal freedom and cultural/artistic expression granted to the Chinese LGTB community. My work connects western influences and a return to Taoist values as a tolerant alternative... ... AOM: What issues have you encountered by choosing the male figure as your subject? MM: During the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, one work of mine was selected by the jury of the official exhibition “Olympics Fine Arts 2008”. I was also invited to attend the opening ceremony in Beijing. But as I was in Beijing, shortly before the opening of the exhibition... ... AOM: What was your first exhibition like? MM: My very first exhibition was actually an online exhibition in China, and the very first physical exhibition was in 2005 after I moved to Berlin... ... AOM: Do you remember your first art sale? MM: When I was in school, some classmates used to give me their favorite things as payment for a drawing, it was better than selling for money and I was very happy about that. ... AOM: Any hopes for the future? MM: I just hope in the near future China could become as tolerant and multicultural as in the city I'm living now. I love Berlin! ..."
