Singapore’s REDSEA Gallery is going Down Under this spring with a new exhibition of work from Chinese-Australian artist Zhong Chen.“The Kung-Fu Series by Zhong Chen” explores how Chinese cultural touchstones, like the iconic martial art, are diluted in the process of exportation and representation in Western mass media. The artist’s own experiences living in Australia inform his perspective on the phenomenon of “Western” or Anglo-Australian ideas mixing freely with “Eastern” or Chinese ideas.His work is drawn with the black lines of traditional Chinese calligraphy but stylized to evoke Western cartoons. He conjures up figures dressed in stereotypical Eastern garb that strike exaggerated poses, brandishing swords, or sporting imperial headdresses, paper fans in hand.These characters are juxtaposed with elements of contemporary Australian and European art—abstract blocks of bright colors painted, splashed, and dripped onto linen.In a statement, REDSEA Gallery owner Chris Churcher explained that the contrasts and contradictions of Western and Eastern art that Zhong plays with will resonate deeply with visitors. “Many of us in Singapore will identify with his trans-cultural feelings, whilst being drawn to his expressive and colourful works that meld … Chinese characters and mythology with a very vibrant contemporary edge,” he said.“The Kung-Fu Series by Zhong Chen” runs May 12-June 10 at REDSEA Gallery in Singapore.
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