The East meets W1 exhibtion this weekend, organised by Newland PR, was a resounding success. Over 100 people packed into Art Galleries Europe on Friday afternoon for the Opening. There was a diverse mix of nationalities in attendance, both Chinese and English as well as Canadian, Iranian and French people. Guests were treated to viewing wonderful art works from Chengdu as well as some delicious sichuan nibbles throughout the afternoon.
The exhibition was opened by Ms Wei LUO, deputy secretary-general of the Chengdu Association for Cultural Exchange with Foreign Countries, who expressed...
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I was inspired to write this piece of work – part of a series called Paradise – after the Chinese Sichuan Wenchuan earthquake in 2008.
Given the source of my inspiration it felt appropriate that the panda should be the most prevalent theme for this creation. Sichuan is one of the main habitats for giant pandas and home to one of China’s most famous conservation and research centre for the species in Chengdu.
I wanted to take a slightly different track from traditional Chinese realistic painting. So, rather than the traditional images of bamboo, trees, mountains or stone, I decided the capture...
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In 2007 and 2011, I visited the UK, travelling around parts of the Lake District as well as the main cities and scenic spots. I love England’s inherent connection with nature and culture.
Everywhere I went, the air was limpid, fresh and clean. Green plots of grass can be seen all around, thick forests standing upright, a beautiful coast and changeable cloudy skies. That’s not to mention all those enormous well preserved castles and ancient ruins which enlightened me enormously. I was surprised by the ability of the cities to retain their sense of culture and heritage; it truly pays testament...
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Why I like painting the peony By Chengji Chen The peony is a gorgeous flower – rich but rank, glorious and auspicious and has been praised by poets and artists throughout the ages.
In Chinese culture, the peony has come to be seen as a symbol of good fortune. In particular, Peonies with Asian Paradise Flycatcher are implicitly linked to wealth, safety and long life. So, unsurprisingly, I truly love painting the peony.
Most of the peony artworks I create are made with wonder stone and show the peony’s characteristic vitality and wildness, while not losing its inherent nature of elegance...
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‘East Meets W1’ shines a light on Sichuan art and culture
To celebrate Chinese New Year the ‘East Meets W1’ Art Ehibition will bring the colour and beauty of China’s Sichuan Province to London’s west end.
Running from 15th to 17th February at Art Galleries Europe London Gallery, the exhibition will showcase seven of the region’s leading artists, giving Londoners an insight into modern interpretations of ‘Sichuan Style Art’ and provide an opportunity to participate in creating artwork with the artists plus win some beautiful prints of the artists work.
Known as China’s...
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Preface (Lake District, Yorkshire, Whitby)
When first came to the UK I was inspired by the natural beauty, history and culture of the British towns, cities and the countryside. I experimented with using Chinese painting techniques and materials to encapsulate the essence of places such as Brighton, Oxford, Manchester, the Lake District, Yorkshire and Whitby. With ink and colour on Chinese scroll I aimed to capture the essence of these characteristically British landscapes. Winter 2012, Chengdu, Western District Whitby Abbey is full of unusual colours as it stands above the small town atop one hundred...
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Chengdu probably brings to mind images of pandas and a growing consumer city with a large, flourishing hi-tech sector. People are mostly unaware of Chengdu's tremendously rich history and culture.
Chengdu has long been a destination for learned poets and artists of China to gather. Some of China's most important literature comes from Chengdu. Li Bai and Su Shi, the most eminent poets of the Tang and Song Dynasties and the great poet Du Fu, made their homes here. It also hosts very strong Buddhist and Taoist cultures.
Chengdu also has some other fascinating claims to fame. Qiong lai huo jing...
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