Art show celebrates World Environment Day

Contemporary artist Chen Wenling’s exhibition, The Symbiosis of the Force, will be unveiled on Thursday, the World Environment Day, in Xiamen, Fujian province. It aims to use art as a medium to inspire public awareness about environmental protection.

The exhibition at Jinsha Academy, a cultural landmark in Xiamen’s Haicang district, will be divided into two parts. The outdoor public space will showcase Chen’s recent sculptures, while the indoor gallery will feature the artist’s latest creations, including contemporary ceramics, ink art and calligraphy.

With his unique creative perspective and artistic language, Chen has long been dedicated to conveying the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through his works.

Chen’s sculptures, typically rendered in a bright monochrome red, often feature recurring subjects, such as skinny boys, humanlike figures resembling pigs and overweight demons. All of these elements can be found at the show.

Curator Du Xiyun says the artist’s creations are full of vitality and span a wide range of artistic forms, including painting, sculpture, calligraphy, photography, garden design, rural planning and museum construction. These works combine diverse art forms and imbue them with his highly imaginative personal expression.

This exhibition also serves as a showcase of Chen’s recent artistic creations upon returning to his hometown in Fujian province.

Several themed events staged during the exhibition will make it a public art and cultural festival that brings art closer to the public and facilitates deep discussions on such issues as the environment, oceans and ecology.

The show will run until July 4.