The paintings of Hou Qing on exhibition will take visitors through a warm and beautiful world in a setting of peach trees in blossom while listening to classical Chinese Kunqu Opera “The Peony Pavilion”.
The Peony Pavilion is possibly the most romantic and transcendent love story in Chinese history. The peach-blossom Shangri-La depicts an imaginary secluded place and an idyllic pastoral life of enjoyment that is cherished by all the intellectuals. Blooming peach flowers have two different but connected symbolizations in the Chinese culture: the vitality and desire of young people who are in their most brilliant years; and the ethereal utopia where people lead an ideal existence in harmony with nature, unaware of the outside world. Whether the pleasure and peacefulness imply a romantic youth in sight or a faraway land of idyllic beauty is actually relevant to the state of mind of the people. Undoubtedly, both the Peony Pavilion and the peach-blossom Shangri-La stand for the pursuit of ancient men of letters and modern intellectuals for an ideal life that transcends reality and imagination, and provides a retreat mentally and in dreams.
Hou Qing’s paintings not only boast a solid styling tradition of Western painting, but also encompass a strong oriental aesthetic taste. His paintings, blending elegance with liveliness, are not limited to drawing physical objects. Further, they intend to express certain feelings. This approach shows not only his visual aesthetics, but in particular how he views the world as an oriental.
Catching a glimpse of the peach-blossom Shangri-La from the artworks of Hou Qing, visitors can have a pleasant visual experience, and at the same time reflect upon their inner being.
Venue: Nanman Art, 19 Tanglin Road #03-54 Tanglin Shopping Centre, Singapore 247909
When: 8 - 31 Dec 2019, 11am - 6pm
By: Nanman Art
