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April 16, 2010

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Home » Feature » Art and Culture

Masterpieces of Tibet life on exhibit

PRINTS of Chen Danqing's realistic masterpieces depicting Tibetan life are on exhibit at the Original Song Gallery through May 24.

Around 40 pieces of his original and most famous "Tibetan Series" are featured.

"Thirty years ago, I created many sketches in Tibet," Chen recalls, "Today some are made into prints and I am pleased they appear fresh and new."

Chen shot to fame almost overnight in the 1980s with seven oil paintings portraying Tibetans, which he created in the style of French realist Jean-Francois Millet.

In that decade Chinese oil painting changed from being a propaganda medium and again became an art form. Chen's art was part of the movement.

"Today when looking back, I can see those inspirations, but I know I am unable to create such paintings again, even when I am standing at the same place.

"Time flies and changes everything," Chen muses.

Some of the sketches sprang from his imagination, like "The Shepherdess," one of his most famous.

"It is amazing how I could have painted a robust Tibetan man passionately hugging a shepherdess," he says.

In 1982, Chen left for United States and lived there for almost 20 years. Initially life was difficult as he had been a big name in China. He became discouraged and returned to China in 2000.

Today, Chen says his talents are "drained in art" and instead writes books on politics, art education and literature.

Date: April 24-May 24 (closed on Mondays), 9am-5pm

Address: 4/F, Bldg 3, 731 Hongxu Rd

Tel: 6465-0045




 

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