Dear Sir/Madam,

Here is special invitation from James Jian Wang, Owner: New China Club and Gallery - CHINA NOW official partner

Further to the invitation from New China Gallery. Please note you are cordially invited to attend the Private View.

Date: January 22nd, 37 Chalton Street NW1 1JD
Time: 6pm - 8pm

Drinks & snacks will be served

Daniel Lee the artist will be there to discuss his work
Guest Speakers:

• Mr LIU Weimin, Chinese Embassy, Counselor (Press and Communications)
• Ms Deborah Wall, China Now, Corporate Sponsorship and Events Director

Lan Guozhong - The shadow following the person

The artist Lan Guozhong comes from a background in public art. Using electric tools on aluminium plate he has formed his own unique style. His skill with the tools and sympathy with the medium enable him to express through his art, a deep understanding and mastery of this technique. During the transfer process from public to more individual expressive art, Lan Guozhong has increasingly incorporated his personal experience into his works. In this, his face and body series, Lan expresses the lack of definition between the individual and society and a certain conflict between the person and material substance.

The unforgiving nature of using electric tools on aluminium has made the creative process a real challenge. The tools are harsh and yet the outcome is soft and reaches out to interact with the audience. The product is continually changing and is often disturbing, reminding the viewer of the uncertainty and instability of life.

The dynamism of the art is particularly striking. What starts out as two dimensional work transforms into a three dimensional experience. As the image changes , it in turn transforms the artist who then creates new images in a constant creative process.

As my art is formed in my mind it brings to me a clear vision of my life and my work. The truth brings inspiration and power to my work.

My work and experience in the south of China brought me to a point in my life where I felt that I was not remaining true to my artistic background. The pace of life and requirements of my work meant that I was involved in art only for the benefit it could bring to me and lost sight of my creativity. Suddenly I realised what was happening to me and felt the wounds that I was inflicting on myself and the horror of the society. Reflecting on that period of my life still causes me pain.

I came to Beijing and was re-inspired by the beauty and the clarity that I found by living in the countryside. I was able to escape from the madness of my past and immerse myself in a simple life, listening to music, drinking tea and painting. I was re-invigorated and began painting my deepest feelings. My background in graphic design led me to use photography as a basis for my inspiration. I began photographing myself and during the bleak winter my style reflected the cold and harshness of the season and the suddenness with which night falls. The quiet and the loneliness I felt when there was only myself and my fish in the studio brought space, soul, hope and desire to my work. As Spring brings re-birth so my creativity is reborn. Using new materials and a new style I have used the threads of my work to tie my body and soul together as one and it has enlightened me.

I will not be changed again but will continue to follow the coloured lines that have intertwined with my life and brought me on a journey to find my heart.