China Blooms in SM: Chan Lim Visual Art Exhibit
Something wonderful always blooms in China and in the world of art. The fascinating country and art in general have the power to wave beauty in countless ways possible. Last week, I got the chance to grasp such wonder whilst checking out the Cham Lim Visual Art Exhibit at the Mountain Wing Atrium of SM Seaside in Cebu. The exhibit is in consonance to this year's Chinese New Year.
A river of awe cascaded deep within me as I look at the cornucopia of Chinese and Western paintings created by the members of the Chan Lim Family of Artists. The passionate family of artists has been engaged in the arts for almost half a century already. Though none of them have studied art formally, their artistic prowess cannot be denied as reflected on their paintings. Today, three generations of Chan Lim artists continue to practice art using a wide variety of medium, styles and techniques. The younger generation enjoys experimenting with modern digital techniques.
Some of the paintings, which you can see below, have Chinese characters in them. Understandingly I don not understand them so I asked a Chinese student of mine what those characters mean. She told me that some of them are poems, while some are dates, possibly when the artist finished the painting.
Pictured above is Dr. Alex Chan Lim who demonstrated basic Chinese paintings for the members of the media.
Right after entertaining interview questions, Dr.Alex guided us for a basic Chinese painting workshop. The great Jose Garcia Villa once said that the Chinese have their own way of being Chinese. I couldn't agree more with the genius. Chinese painting is much different from Western painting as it requires more discipline, and to master it involves so much practice.
What's photographed above is my own version of bamboo using the techniques on how to create a Chinese painting. Looks easy right? But it took me more or less three hours to complete that! haha From that moment I conclude that I am definitely 100% Filipino. lol Chinese painting is not a piece of cake, but the experience given to us by the Chan Lim was more than worth it. Aside from the members of the media, students from different schools in Cebu were also given a free workshop by the Chan Lim family.
A collaborative painting done by some members of the Chan Lim family
Should you wish to see more than 200 blooming artworks of their family, head over at the Mountain Atrium at SM Seaside. The grandeur of Chan Lim's brush strokes can be witnessed 'till February 5 of this year. The family also has their own art studio in Pasig City. If you wish to buy some of their paintings, you may head over to their website at www.chanlim.com
Which one is your favorite painting from the photos above? Let me know in the comment section below. Have a happy weekend, and to my Chinese friends: Xīnnián kuàilè. Happy New Year!
love lots,
Tin