Apart from being known as a financial hub within Southeast Asia, Singapore is on its way to becoming a cultural hub in the region. Art appreciation and collecting are slowly becoming more than just a side hobby for many living in the city-state. Whether it is the locals or expats, there is a more robust demand for contemporary artworks. For example, Chinese artists have seen greater popularity among collectors and galleries like Once Gallery are looking for new platforms to showcase their artworks.

Happening for a month between 15 December 2022 to 15 January 2023, Once Gallery is delighted to present “New Voices from China” where six emerging Chinese artists will be displaying their work at Maven Gallery, a co-organiser of this event. Once Gallery founder Sylvia Xue Bai’s selection of artists includes: Dai Xianjing, Jin Xiaoyao, Sun Haiting, Wang Meiyi, Xiang Hao and Zhou Chi. Each artist has their own distinctive approach to art but the common thread of the many artworks is its relevance to the zeitgeist and its ability to leave an impression on its spectators.

Despite being a relatively young gallery, Once Gallery has grand ambitions. Since the start, Sylvia Xue Bai is determined to present her artists with an international platform. And for this exhibition, many works will make its debut in Singapore this year.

Starting with Jin Xiaoyao, an oil painting artist whose works focus on refining spirituality through the combination of portrait and landscape painting, his paintings attempt to express lightness both in spirit and materiality.

For artist Xiang Hao, the Chinese adage “Fire cannot be wrapped in paper,” underpins many of his artworks. What this phrase means in English is that it is impossible to deny the truth of anything. This philosophy informs the creative process of Xiang Hao and can be seen in his “Trace” series, where he pushes the boundary of colour and fire burning to its limits.

Sun Hai Ting’s highly sought-after “Empty Room” and “A Winter Trip” series will be shown together side-by-side for the first time at Maven Gallery. If the former photo series is a statement piece influenced by local cultures, the latter would be an ephemeral poetry capturing the transition to the Covid era.

A graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, Wang Meiyi’s latest print works take a smart and light approach to her often complicated artistic thoughts. In the imitation of cyanotype, “Studies of Emoji” centres on celebrating ambiguity behind the frequent use of Emoji at the same time.

“Trees Whisper” is artist and documentary director Dai Xianjing’s photography series that had just its debut in Bejing this fall. Including some of the artist’s other classic artworks, these will be shown at the exhibition in Singapore this year.

Lastly, artist Zhou Chi will be bringing her latest acrylic-based mixed media works to Maven Gallery. Her works reflect classical splendour and allegorical mystery yet capture a primordial and natural feeling that often go unnoticed in urban living.

New Voices from China
15 December 2022 to 15 January 2023
Maven Gallery
31 Neil Road, Singapore 088819

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