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Veteran artist's Chinese zodiac art show opens in Qingdao
Updated 17:58, 27-Mar-2023
CGTN
02:40

Displaying the works of veteran artist Han Meilin themed on the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, an exhibition dedicated to this widely acclaimed branch of Chinese culture opened in Qingdao, Shandong on Sunday.

Veteran artist Han Meilin speaks at the opening ceremony of the
Veteran artist Han Meilin speaks at the opening ceremony of the "Han Meilin Chinese Zodiac Art Exhibition" in Qingdao, Shandong, March 26, 2023. /CCTV

Veteran artist Han Meilin speaks at the opening ceremony of the "Han Meilin Chinese Zodiac Art Exhibition" in Qingdao, Shandong, March 26, 2023. /CCTV

Entitled "Han Meilin Chinese Zodiac Art Exhibition," the event marks the 5th stop of a mobile exhibition that previously visited Beijing, Shenzhen, and Hainan, as well as an overseas stop in Bangkok. The latest show brought about 700 zodiac-inspired artworks to Qingdao residents in the form of paintings, calligraphy works, sculptures, ceramics, wood carvings, and other media.

Han Meilin's 12 Chinese zodiac-themed works are on display at the Qingdao Art Museum in Shandong, March 26, 2023. /CCTV
Han Meilin's 12 Chinese zodiac-themed works are on display at the Qingdao Art Museum in Shandong, March 26, 2023. /CCTV

Han Meilin's 12 Chinese zodiac-themed works are on display at the Qingdao Art Museum in Shandong, March 26, 2023. /CCTV

Elegant, adorable and vividly portrayed in the hands of this Shandong-born artist, many of the works representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac were bursting with creativity and tailored to a contemporary audience.

Dubbed the "Father of Fuwa" as he designed the mascots for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Han Meilin has won universal praise for his myriad creations.

"Art should be closely related to our everyday life. It shouldn't be aloof from the public. It should be sophisticated but approachable. Chinese people created this zodiac animal culture, which has gained a large fan base. I think people will be intrigued to come and see their zodiac animals," said Han.

The event will run at the Qingdao Art Museum until May 7.

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