No Matter Eastern or Western: Abstract Expressionism of Lunar Five Elements
No Matter Eastern or Western: Abstract Expressionism of Lunar Five Elements
This exhibit by Xiaoping Xu is based around a large-scale fusion painting representing the five lunar elements; wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The piece brings together Western Abstract Expressionism and Traditional Chinese Visual Arts. Traditional arts included are Chinese calligraphy and Chinese seal carving. In additional to the flagship piece, a variety of artworks by Xiaoping will be featured.
An opening reception will be held on November 21st at Schenectady Art Night from 5pm to 8:30pm. Stop by the New York Folklore Gallery to view the exhibit, and enjoy traditional Chinese music by Xiaoping. Light refreshments will be served.
Related Programming:
- Brush Painting Workshop December 13 @ 4:00 pm $20 – $25
- Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades) Workshop December 14 @ 2:00 pm Free
Xiaoping learned calligraphy, like all students, at school in China. She continued to practice calligraphy during college won first prize for a calligraphy competition at Jianghan University in Wuhan. Her teacher, seeing her talent, suggested she begin brush painting. At this time, she also began to self – study seal carving at age 20 using soap. After moving to America, Xiaoping became focused on working, she went back to school and earned a B.S.in Computer Science (1991) from Wayne State University. While working in Albany, starting in 1993, Xiaoping taught Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Chinese dance at a variety of fitness centers and the Capital Region’s Chinese Community Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic Xiaoping began to devote even more time to her artwork. She began to work in mediums, such as clothing and stone instead of soap seals. Additionally, she enjoys singing, gardening and is currently learning the traditional Chinese instrument, Guqin.
The exhibit can viewed whenever the New York Folklore Shop and Gallery are open. New York Folklore is located at 129 Jay Street, Schenectady, on the Jay Street Marketplace pedestrian mall. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10AM to 4PM,Saturday 10AM to 3:30pm and Sundays 10AM to 2PM (April- December). Please call 518-346-7008, email NYF at info@nyfolklore.org, or visit our web site, www.nyfolklore.org for additional information.
Parking in downtown Schenectady is free on Sunday, and there is ample parking both in convenient LAZ lots, and on the street.
Funding is provided for this exhibit by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and Schenectady County Initiative Program.