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WO MEN

We Are Our Own Women

Works by Liu Hong Yuan, Peng Wei, Qing Qing, Shuai Mei, Yu Chen

Vernissage: 11 March 2010,   6:30pm - 8:30pm
Exhibition Continues: 12 March 2010 - 17 April 2010

Schoeni Main Gallery, 21 - 31 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong

In celebration of International Women’s Day (8th March), Schoeni Art Gallery is delighted to present WO MEN – We Are Our Own Women, group exhibition featuring 5 empowering Chinese contemporary artists: Liu Hong Yuan, Peng Wei, Shuai Mei, Qing Qing and Yu Chen. The exhibition not only provides an insight into the inner world of these female artists but also offers an exceptional awakening opportunity for all of us about the true value and spirit of the female gender. In such a male dominated Chinese contemporary art circle, WO MEN will bear testimony to female art as being just as talented, empowering, strong and inspirational.

Throughout the history of Chinese female art, women could only measure themselves against male standards, even over the revolution era in China, the emancipation of women served solely for revolutionary/egalitarian purposes rather than for the women itself. It was only until the late 80’s that some female artists began to experiment, gradually revealing hints of change, such as symbolic expression of self’s inner world and its expression through various techniques, materials and direct sensory response to an awareness of life, contemporary society and social reality.
 
WO MEN is an exhibition that demonstrates female consciousness, while reflecting the diversity and abundance of female creativity, be it Liu Hong Yuan’s embellished representations of fading tradition and history; Peng Wei’s paper maché of the female figure; Shuai Mei’s willowy ladies that flow between modernity and antiquity; Qing Qing’s whimsical installations of metaphoric social-related commentary; Yu Chen’s baby figures as symbolic portrayal of contemporary society. A common thread can also be observed through their works: the delicately/ opaquely displayed sensitivity and personal expression that are unique to females; a women’s language of art that is quintessentially Chinese yet at the same time universal; an exploration into the levels of social reality in relation to women’s identity; and the regression to a deep rooted oriental tradition of spirit that reflects strength, confidence and perseverance. Through their exploration and constant pursuit of their ideal artistic expression, they have engaged into a liberating discovery of a new standing ground – one that encompasses both womanhood and originality – as well as the power within women to create, nurture and transform. Just as Virginia Woolf once said: “As a woman I have no country. As a woman my country is the whole world.” 

Participating Artists:

Liu Hong Yuan has already had two solo exhibitions at Schoeni Art Gallery in 2005 and 2008. Born in Baoding, 1976, Liu comes from a family with a rich tradition in Chinese opera. Her heavily embellished paintings articulate her very own unique representations of fading history and tradition with grace and superb mastery. A graduate from the Central Academy of Fine Arts, Liu’s works transcend a physical narrative level by unifying traditions, fading history and memories together with modernisation.

Peng Wei is one of the younger artists of the exhibition, she was born in Chengdu in 1974 and graduated with Master’s degree from Nankai University. Peng Wei’s signature is her xuan paper maché sculptures of the female figure with motifs taken from classical Chinese painting painted in ink. In incorporating classical Chinese painting into her elegant sculptural installations, Peng takes traditional ink painting into a three dimensional level, while bringing a fresher and freer perspective to ancient tradition. 

As a highly successful female artist, Qing Qing plays an important role in bringing current and contemporary social issues to the public eye through her art. Through her whimsical installations and delicate hemp fibre works, Qing Qing often plays with visual metaphor that reflects commentaries at a socially related level, at times with feminist connotations. Born in 1953, Qing Qing has exhibited extensively in China and abroad, she also had her debut solo at Schoeni, Enchanted Paradise, in 2008.

Shuai Mei is one of Schoeni Art Gallery’s long standing exclusive female artists. She was born in 1969 and graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1994. Shuai Mei’s paintings merge the contradictory sides of modern woman into willowy figurative representations that flow between modernity and antiquity. She invites viewers to glance directly into the boudoir of her elegantly lean and supple figures, evoking a sense of nostalgic and idealised memory of distant days. 

Yu Chen is the eldest sister of the talented Chen family. As an exclusive artist of Schoeni, Yu Chen has exhibited extensively both locally and abroad, including The Chen Family museum show at Today Art Museum in 2008. Yu Chen creates works that possess a unique personality, her celebrated baby motif communicates with stunning visuals and frankness. Her at times ironic and satirical portrayal of infants targets social issues of modern day China that are culturally and politically charged, and her works outline a special symbol for our lives by bringing the temporary and limited perfection of the baby into the imperfect world of the adults.

In support of women's causes in Hong Kong, Schoeni Art Gallery has proudly donated a limited edition print, Bridge Verandah, by Shuai Mei to The Women’s Foundation. The print will be on display as part of the WO MEN – We Are Our Own Women exhibition and all proceeds from its sale will go to The Women’s Foundation and its research and community programmes promoting the advancement of women and girls in Hong Kong. 
 
The Women’s Foundation is a Hong Kong registered not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Hong Kong through research, community programmes, and education and advocacy.  With the overall goal of promoting women’s economic self-reliance, The Women's Foundation is focused on three key areas: combatting gender stereotypes, increasing the number of women in leadership roles, and empowering women in poverty to achieve a better quality of life for themselves and their families.  For more information on The Women’s Foundation, please visit http://www.thewomensfoundationhk.org.