Spirit of the Era

CROSS-CULTURAL interaction is one of contemporary art's many current trends. China's current art scene is characterized by a variety of phenomena; artists have presented a juxtaposition of humanistic attention and spiritual themes. Although contemporary art celebrates the pluralistic interplay between cultures, as well as a commodity economy, concept transformation, and individuality, it can lack an ability to move an audience.

Song Changqing is trying to change that. A graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts' Mural Department, Song's recent work has involved motifs centering on warm, jubilant and celebratory occasions. To present a visual image of today's China, he used popular, flowery, and humorous styles, drawing meaning from both cultural and historical angles. His work celebrates the vitality of life and nationalistic pride.

Regarding composition, Song tries to combine modern motifs with traditional Chinese artistic concepts, developing typical images with the distinctive ethnic flavor and characteristics of the times. He uses oils to achieve a different visual effect, a kind of exquisite and magnanimous sentiment communicated by a subtle visual language.

Fairy Tale, 1996. Oil on paper, mounted on canvas, 60 X 50 cm	Festival Celebration, 1997 (Taiwanshan Art Museum collection). Oil on paper, mounted on canvas, 100 X 80 cm
Happy Spring Festival, 1996. Oil on paper, mounted on canvas, 60 X 50 cm