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Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
makes comments on renowned Chinese artist Guan Wei's work "Tracing Downing
Ned Kelly, No. 2" at the opening ceremony of the "Southern Skies"
exhibition on April 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
BEIJING, April 15 -- When talking about relationships
between two countries, people often refer to political and economical ties. But
cultural relationships also draw on communication and understanding, and a
contemporary art exhibition in Beijing is currently illustrating the friendship
between China and Australia.
The eight Chinese artists involved in the show have
been living and working in Australia for nearly two decades. They had a solid
understanding of Chinese culture before leaving and have also been influenced by
Australian culture. Their works reflect the combination and integration of the
two cultures and the artists' new thoughts about the world.
Organizer Madeleine O'Dea calls the "Southern Skies"
artists "cultural ambassadors."
"This exhibition is a celebration of nearly twenty
years of relations between Chinese contemporary artists and Australia."
In the late 1980's and early 1990's, this group of
Chinese artists decided that in order to develop as artists, they needed to go
overseas. They went to Australia, where they all struggled somewhat, but
eventually became successful artists producing beautiful work.
Their work has also drawn the attention of Australian
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He opened the exhibition in the Australian embassy
and reviewed a painting by renowned artist Guan Wei.
"See, for example, a piece such as that by Guan Wei
over to our right, which is a traditional Chinese ɽˮ (landscape) painting. If
you look carefully, and I suggest that to the Australians who are present, who
are visiting, you will see Ned Kelly being persecuted at the bottom of the
waterfall. So this is kind of Ned Kelly via Sidney Nolan through Guan Wei into a
Chinese landscape of the Ming Dynasty -- you figure it out. But I tell you what
-- it's kind of a lot of fun."
The piece Rudd mentioned is Guan Wei's acrylic on
rice paper scroll called "Tracing Downing Ned Kelly, No. 2." Completed in 2004,
the scroll portrays a modern antiterrorism story in a Ming Dynasty setting.
Ned Kelly is an Australian robber and hero, but in
Guan Wei's work he is a target for modern soldiers. To criticize the cruelty of
war, Guan Wei used bloody red lines and dots to express his meaning. The
cultural conflict and the painter's call for peace are evident in the work.
Guan Wei is concerned with world peace and global
warming, while Hu Ming, a female artist and a former soldier in the Chinese
army, focuses more on women's rights. Her oil on canvas "Relic of the New 87
Immortals -- Following the Sun" can best illustrate the changes in women's
lives. Hu Ming was inspired by the famous Chinese artwork "Relic of the 87
Immortals." Her work is unique because she replaced the male immortals with
females from different eras and social classes.
Noblewomen from ancient China and elegant, qipao-clad
women in old Shanghai are depicted alongside businesswomen and modern girls
jumping around in bikinis. Hu Ming said the work was ten years in the making.
She wanted to show the world the liberal history of Chinese women and fashion
trends in China.
"This is a modern and beautiful lady in the
mid-1980s. She is holding a big lollipop in her hand to symbolize that life at
the time was very sweet."
The last image in Hu Ming's work is that of an aloof
lady with bird's nest on her head and a sharp sword in her hand. Hu Ming uses
this image to indicate a new start for Chinese women's life in modern society.
Other famous Chinese artists Lin Chunyan, Tan Yifeng,
Guo Jian, and Ah Xian have also brought their latest works to the exhibition.
They all went to Australia during a time of great change in China. In Australia,
they experienced the opportunities, challenges, frustrations and rewards of
immigrant life. Their work, personal, and life experiences provide a vibrant
link between the old world of China and the new world of Australia.
"Southern Skies -- Chinese Artists in Australia" will
be on display in the Australian embassy through April 16, 2008. Art enthusiasts
can find more information on the show on the Internet or in the "Southern Skies"
catalogue.
(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)
