New exhibition celebrates charm of Lingnan culture

The He Xiangning Art Museum is hosting an extraordinary art exhibition to showcase the depth and charm of Lingnan culture. This captivating art extravaganza, “Kapok Flowers in Bloom: Contemporary Lingnan Invitation Exhibition of Prominent Young and Middle-Aged Artists,” features works from five talented artists, allowing audiences to experience the vibrant and diverse nature of Lingnan art.

The kapok, a plant native to Guangdong and often called the “hero flower,” symbolizes the emotions and spirit of the people in this region. The exhibition draws inspiration from the five petals of the kapok flower, which represent five core spiritual characteristics of Lingnan culture: vigor, passion, inclusivity, resilience, and rebirth. These qualities not only form the essence of Lingnan culture but also serve as a driving force for the development of contemporary art.

The participating artists — Zheng Apai, Lin Lan, Xu Xiaobin, Chen Junyu, and Xu Dunping — each express their deep understanding and admiration for Lingnan culture through unique artistic observation and techniques.

Zheng skillfully blends traditional ink painting techniques with modern composition concepts, breathing new vitality into his depictions of flowers and birds, while maintaining a bold, expressive style. His art not only highlights the unique charm of Lingnan flower-and-bird painting but also reflects a reverence and continuity of techniques and spirits passed down from master predecessors.

A painting by Lin Lan. Photos from the art museum’s official WeChat account

Lin’s works feature rich colors and bold, powerful lines. She excels at capturing the essence of flowers and birds, using delicate brushstrokes to showcase the vitality and energy of nature.

Xu Xiaobin’s paintings seamlessly integrate the artistic spirit of poetry into his flower-and-bird depictions. His works possess cultural depth and artistic emotional power. Each piece becomes a poetic vehicle, conveying a sense of tranquility and timeless emotion.

A painting by Xu Xiaobin. 

Chen’s works blend traditional flower-and-bird painting techniques with innovative approaches, resulting in visually striking pieces that preserve the charm of the past while embracing modern aesthetic concepts. His paintings, which carry the cultural memory of Lingnan, also reflect a forward-looking perspective.

Xu Dunping’s flower-and-bird paintings capture moments from his past life, bringing them into the present through his contemporary art. While he enjoys exploring traditional themes in flower-and-bird painting, he also immerses himself in the everyday objects and natural beauty around him.

The exhibition runs until May 11.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Mondays

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C