Newcomer 01 draws inspiration from the ancient Greek sculpture Laocoon and His Sons, which has been celebrated and reinterpreted by artists, art historians and writers throughout time, for its exquisite expression and techniques of portraying human destiny and emotions. For the sculpture, the artist proportionally enlarges the heads of Laocoon and his sons based on popular comics, wrapping the sea serpent around them in lieu of pink Roman columns to create an uncanny and humorous effect. This otherwise fearful and tragic scene is then afforded a gentle façade. The artist’s contradictory conduit and unique form of expression allow for diverse and layered interpretations. This piece, upon a first glance may seem appealing, while a closer examination would leave the viewer with intriguing satire and irony. 

Newcomer 01 presents XU ZHEN^®'s thoughts on the conflicts between the public and ideology. Often, people’s attempt to avoid conflicts does not dissolve them. Behind the whitewash, real conflicts and struggles continue to take place.