Sunflowers by Shi Lan.

    The nickname “sunshine lady” comes from her cheerful character, vividly expressed in many of her artworks. For experience and inspiration, she once followed her tutor’s advice to spend some time in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, where bright-colored flowers blossomed in a spring-like climate all year round. The environment of tireless vitality suited and inspired her. The works highlight the sharp contrast of different colors but are executed in a style that pays less attention to detail – a characteristic that befits exhibition in large halls where their strength can be absorbed from afar.

    In October 2007 she traveled to the International Arts City in Paris to spend three months as a visiting artist. There she also took part in the 10-day Chinese Bird-and-Flower Painting Exhibition. The distinctive Chinese character of her paintings was lauded by artists and the industry insiders of various countries.

    In 2009 she journeyed to the U.S., where the warm sunshine and vast flowery fields again spurred her passion for creation. In September, her solo exhibition was held at the Silicon Valley Asian Art Center. Orders for her paintings flooded in from her American friends before the exhibition even opened its doors. An art critic named Shu Jianhua said: “Shi’s paintings always feature bright colors and an elegant style, conveying her positive and optimistic attitude towards life.”

    Shi believes people can always see beauty as long as they have a peaceful heart, advising, “People should always look on the bright side of life and try to enjoy themselves anywhere, anytime.”

    Liu Manwen’s Quotidian Eye

    In contrast to Shi Lan, Liu Manwen (1962-) uses her paintings as a lens for uniquely female preoccupations and the significance of ordinary life.

Ordinary Life No.12 by Liu Manwen.