Due to the popularisation of art and the economisation of space today, works that are compact in scale and nimble in technique have become a clear marker of accessible art. However, such paintings are not a novelty of the 21st century. ‘Heaven in a Wildflower’ features a myriad of small-format paintings from East and Southeast Asia across different mediums. From acrylic to Chinese ink, the exhibition showcases fine works by contemporary artists. A celebrated master of Chinese ink, Jia Youfu explores his affinity with nature in the form of striking yet tamed strokes of ink on rice paper. Displayed alongside Du Xue’s delicate silk portraitures of womanhood are also Zhang Wen’s heartfelt portrayals of an idyllic childhood that is naive but also veiled by wistful wisdom that can only be recognized retrospectively from the vantage point of experience. Hailing from Japan, Akio Harada expresses texture and emotions through animals. Accompanying the thoughtful paintings are American artist Larry Mclaughlin’s delicate animal sculptures constructed from hand-made concrete. Last but not least, the exhibition also showcases up-an-coming Indonesian artist Taufiq.HT’s intricate paintings on hand-carved wood. Contemplating the past and living in the present, the show is a vibrant medley of Eastern and Western present-day renditions of miniature paintings.
For a limited time, view the show in person at our gallery from 22 March to 14 April 2024.