A gallery exhibition by artist Shaomei Zhong Wan helps bring in the Chinese New Year at the Plainsboro Library with a collection of watercolors and silk paintings that combine influences from both Eastern and Western traditional art. The exhibit opens Saturday, January 25, with an artist’s reception on Saturday, February 8, to coincide with the library’s Chinese New Year celebration. Works will be on view to February 26.
“Silk-weaving is an ancient Chinese invention, and silk painting has been alive in China for millennia,” says Wan. “However, the fine brushwork painting techniques used in the ancient periods required that the colors be added layer by layer due to limitations in pigment technologies in ancient times, making it a difficult medium for the freehand brushwork of traditional Chinese painting on paper. The use of modern Western dyes and watercolor techniques has helped me discover my own artistic language, enabling the expression of those emotions I feel while facing the conflict and confluence of Western and Eastern cultures.”
Wan was born in Guangzhou, China, and graduated from South China University of Fine Arts in Guangzhou. A resident of East Windsor, she is a member of the Guangzhou City Artist Association and Chinese American Art Association.
“In my youth, I focused on watercolor, engraving and oil painting,” says Wan. “My education was in Western fine art, but my spirit remained in the East. After immigrating to the United States, I discovered that none of the various forms of Western fine art could provide a sufficient outlet for the emotions that I wished to articulate. Several years ago, through serendipitous chance, I was introduced to silk painting, and I have been enamored of it ever since.”
After serving for many years in the creative arts and advertising design industries, Wan now works as an independent artist and design consultant. She has won prizes in various professional exhibitions, and held a personal exhibit in Flushing, New York. Her works have been chosen for the Mercer County Artists Exhibition for the past five years.
“Ancient Chinese civilization made its way from East to West through the Silk Road,” says Wan. “While I physically traveled from East to West, my creative inspiration moved in the opposite direction, from Western art forms back to my Eastern roots. This exhibition is my first step in a new artistic path, and I hope that my exploration can bring fresh sentiments and inspiration to my audience as well.”
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. Saturday, January 25, 10 a.m. First day of “Chinese New Year,” a collection of watercolors and silk paintings that combine influences of both Eastern and Western traditional art by Shaomei Zhong Wan. Reception on Saturday, February 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. coincides with the annual celebration featuring performances, crafts, and cooking demonstrations. On view to February 26. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
