As Time Goes By

This exhibition showcases a series of lacquered paintings on single boards that have been preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The colors are rich and varied, with vibrant and understated hues. Due to their age, large areas of the lacquer coating have cracked like fish scales and discolouration displaying a natural and varied richness of change, resembling the diverse forms of mountains and rocks. These characteristics add one of a kind, uniqueness and a sense of history to this series of works. Several pieces present cracks and brokenness caused by the passage of time and the elements, mirroring the flaws and imperfections found in nature as a part of life. Appreciating imperfection allows people to learn to accept the flaws and imperfections in life. It embodies the aesthetics of simplicity, elegance, humility and unpretentiousness of traditional Chinese culture.