SEEING THE SIGNS
China’s celebrated painting master Han Meilin brings a collection of 200 invaluable artworks to showcase in Bangkok for the first time during “Han Meilin’s Zodiac Art Exhibition” at the Fashion Hall, 1st floor of Siam Paragon, from today until Jan 27.
Held in collaboration with China Cultural Center and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the exhibition is to mark the 2020 Chinese New Year and the long-standing relationship between Thailand and China.
On display are Chinese brush paintings based on the concept of “Shengxiao” or Chinese zodiac. It is a popular and ever-growing cultural phenomenon and tradition in China and has inspired numerous artistic creations embodying the national spirit and good wishes of the Chinese. Also exhibited are brass sculptures signifying warmth and exquisiteness.
Granted the Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Chinese Literature and Art from China’s Ministry of Culture, Meilin is a representative figure of contemporary Chinese artists known to base his artworks on the Chinese culture and the increasingly globalised world.
With insightful analysis of the shengxiao culture, he captures the zeitgeist of the Chinese with his shengxiao-themed artistic creation. His artworks are full of visual impact while appealing to the public taste. They often depict moments that are most ordinary, innocent, relatable and natural in daily life but, somehow, mirror the ideal life people are longing for.
At the same time, they repeatedly deliver the message — all beings are equal and all things on earth have a soul — which goes well with the ancient wisdom of “man and nature in one”. His works also place more emphasis on the consciousness of the subject and on “harmonious development” based on the law of nature. Additional works by Meilin can be viewed at China Cultural Center on Thiam Ruam Mit Road until Feb 9.