WHAT
In her first solo exhibition at the gallery, the Chinese artist’s inspiration comes from her personal experiences and observations of society. Interpreted as allegories, her symbolic paintings often reference the female identity, an unwavering resilience, and the essence of life. In the exhibition, the four flower paintings offer a sense of vitality and joy, with bright brushstrokes intertwined with each other. The lively colours represent hope, freedom and unrestrained spirit. Despite having experienced hardship in the 1970s as a teenager, Yan Ping had once declared. ‘Every flower painting is a spiritual refreshment. In the past years, whenever I feel depressed or tired, I would give myself a bouquet of fresh blooms, forgetting connections to the outside world and enjoying the intimate moment with flowers.’

WHY
As one of the most influential Chinese female painters working today, Yan Ping’s artistic career is highly significant. She experienced a special era during the development of Chinese society and a life of poverty in the 1970’s when she worked in rural China. What makes Yan Ping special is her capacity to face her life with an optimistic, open mind – such spirit transpires in her practice and is the hidden theme of her artworks.