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In Chinese culture, every birth is assigned a Zodiac animal (Sheng Xiao 生肖). This has been a tradition since the Han dynasty (206 BC). Birthmark is our first solo exhibition with Melbourne-based artist Dalu Zhao. It features 12 fine drawings of zodiac animals wearing different styles of masks.
It is the latest work by this reputable artist working across Australia and China. The animal head images are drawn with reference to the historical bronze sculptures in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, which were destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860.
Too many lives have been taken away by COVID-19. Face masks have become a symbol of our travails during this pandemic. We know that the epidemic will be gone one day, and we hope one day soon. However, the mark it leaves on our life will be remembered for generations.
Zhao’s highly developed drawing and painting techniques are well recognised. His works have been shown in a range of public institutions, and his painting 'Lao Fei' was the winner of the People's Choice Award at the Archibald Prize 2003 in both Melbourne and Sydney. He delivers his strong message with simplicity and beauty. He makes drawing, perhaps the oldest form of recorded representation, modern and relevant.
From Dr Yeqin Zuo, Gallery Director
The Haiyantang was the largest Western-style mansion in the Old Summer Palace built for the emperor Qianlong in the Qing dynasty (AD 1760). In front of the palace was a water clock comprising 12 Chinese zodiac statues which spouted water every day for two hours each. It was designed by a royal court painter from Italy, Giuseppe Castiglione, known as Lang Shining in China. Castiglione’s unique designs combine Chinese and Western styles.
During the Second Opium War (1860), the united British and French forces ransacked the Old Summer Palace. The buildings were burnt and countless treasures were carried away, including the 12 Chinese zodiac animal heads.
Over many years, the looted 12 animal heads had been sequestered in private collections around the world. In the Spring of 2000, two international auction houses put the heads of the Ox, the Monkey and the Tiger up for auction in Hong Kong. Until now, 7 of the 12 animal heads have been returned to China.
The tortuous fate of the 12 animal heads has reflected the history between China and the West over 160 years. How we dispense with mistrust and build a more harmonious world remains unclear. It is especially challenging in the current pandemic.
Dalu Zhao’s new series, Birthmark, is asking this question.
It is the latest work by this reputable artist working across Australia and China. The animal head images are drawn with reference to the historical bronze sculptures in the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, which were destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860.
Too many lives have been taken away by COVID-19. Face masks have become a symbol of our travails during this pandemic. We know that the epidemic will be gone one day, and we hope one day soon. However, the mark it leaves on our life will be remembered for generations.
Zhao’s highly developed drawing and painting techniques are well recognised. His works have been shown in a range of public institutions, and his painting 'Lao Fei' was the winner of the People's Choice Award at the Archibald Prize 2003 in both Melbourne and Sydney. He delivers his strong message with simplicity and beauty. He makes drawing, perhaps the oldest form of recorded representation, modern and relevant.
From Dr Yeqin Zuo, Gallery Director
The Haiyantang was the largest Western-style mansion in the Old Summer Palace built for the emperor Qianlong in the Qing dynasty (AD 1760). In front of the palace was a water clock comprising 12 Chinese zodiac statues which spouted water every day for two hours each. It was designed by a royal court painter from Italy, Giuseppe Castiglione, known as Lang Shining in China. Castiglione’s unique designs combine Chinese and Western styles.
During the Second Opium War (1860), the united British and French forces ransacked the Old Summer Palace. The buildings were burnt and countless treasures were carried away, including the 12 Chinese zodiac animal heads.
Over many years, the looted 12 animal heads had been sequestered in private collections around the world. In the Spring of 2000, two international auction houses put the heads of the Ox, the Monkey and the Tiger up for auction in Hong Kong. Until now, 7 of the 12 animal heads have been returned to China.
The tortuous fate of the 12 animal heads has reflected the history between China and the West over 160 years. How we dispense with mistrust and build a more harmonious world remains unclear. It is especially challenging in the current pandemic.
Dalu Zhao’s new series, Birthmark, is asking this question.
'2020 - 12 zodiac' series, 2020, pencil on pape, 60 x 40cm x 12
The Matrix of the Golden Age, 2021, oil on canvas, 195 x 260 cm
