Sixteen overseas Chinese artists residing in the U.S., Canada, Venezuela, Brazil and Peru are showcasing their works at the “Sixth Global Overseas Chinese Artists Exhibition” at the He Xiangning Art Museum. In addition, the art museum has also selected a painting by Beijing artist Yu Hong from its collection to display alongside the overseas artworks.

The exhibition is part of the art museum’s long-time research on overseas Chinese artists, focusing on their education, lives and the connections between their experiences and art. These artists, who have embraced different countries and cultures in their lives, provide fresh and diverse perspectives.

A visitor admires Paul Wong’s “Mother’s Cupboard” at the exhibition at He Xiangning Art Museum.

“As an important academic initiative of our art museum, ‘The Global Overseas Chinese Artists Exhibition’ invites outstanding overseas Chinese artists to display their artworks in a myriad of styles inspired by their diverse lives and cultural backgrounds. This ongoing project not only aids in integrating overseas Chinese artists into the current global art history but also facilitates artistic exchanges,” said Cheng Bin, deputy director of the He Xiangning Art Museum.

Some artists utilize everyday items in their artworks to reflect diasporic and nostalgic sentiments. Sean Cao and Katherine Meng-yuan Yi (Bagua Artist Association) from Vancouver, Canada, are displaying “Chinatown Recreation Mall Project” and “Diasporic Objects” for the exhibition. These showcase typical Chinese items or photographs of such items as ceramic teapots, plastic flip-flops and a Chinese movie VCD.

A photographic work from Gu Xiong’s “Home Series.”

The artist duo elaborates in their curatorial statement, stating that “The objects have moved with human migrations. In their places of origin, these items may have become obsolete, outmoded or withdrawn from the market. However, in new lands, they acquire new identities and meanings.”

Another artist from Vancouver, Paul Wong, presents “Mother’s Cupboard” at the exhibition. This work comprises 10 photos of repurposed jars owned by Chinese-Canadian elder Suk-fong and a video recorded in her kitchen. These jars, once containers for mayonnaise or instant coffee, now store Chinese herbs and medicines.

Viewers can observe the meticulous labeling of the herbs and elixirs contained within the recycled Western jars. Wong explains that the artwork signifies mainstream patterns of production and consumption by rewriting and relabeling them for her domestic use.

“Diasporic Objects” by Sean Cao and Katherine Meng-yuan Yi (Bagua Artist Association).

“The overseas Chinese constantly examine their cultural identity through daily habits and objects. Art creations in this theme embody trends in sociology and culture studies, which in turn enriches the expression of overseas Chinese art,” says the exhibition’s curatorial statement.

“By focusing on artworks, we can discuss the living conditions, needs and emotions of Chinese artists worldwide. The deeper we delve into the specific details of each person’s life and works, the more we see the significance of this endeavor,” said Dr. Wang Xiaosong, the exhibition curator.

“Chinatown Recreation Mall Project” by Sean Cao and Katherine Meng-yuan Yi (Bagua Artist Association).  Photos by Cao Zhen

Dates: Until March 24

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C