Opening tonight at Bermuda Society of Arts is Homeland: Chinese Classic Floral Art, a collection of more than 30 pieces by You Zhai and Fan Lei. The exhibit was the brainchild of its curator, Yue Ma, a friend of theirs who moved to Bermuda five years ago. He found the couple’s art impressive and thought the “unique natural beauty of Bermuda and the kindness of its people” would inspire them to create more. Plus, he was “very keen to show and promote Bermuda to the rest of the world” and loved that, for some residents, it might be their introduction to a new form of art. Below, the couple talk a bit about their work with The Royal Gazette.

Q: Is Eastern art highly appreciated?

A: Eastern art, encompassing forms from China, Japan, India and other regions, holds a unique charm and profound cultural significance. Traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, ceramics and embroidery are esteemed for their exquisite techniques, deep philosophical meanings and distinctive aesthetic values, attracting numerous art enthusiasts and collectors. The history of Chinese painting dates back to the Neolithic period, at least 7,000 years ago. Early Chinese paintings were found on pottery, ground, and rock walls, eventually evolving to be painted on walls, silk, and paper.

Q: How did you learn?

A: We received specialised training in sketching, colours and patterns during our middle school years. After entering an art university, we furthered our studies in Chinese painting, calligraphy and art education.

Q: Do you work in China?

A: We work both in China and the USA, engaging in artistic creation and cultural exchange. We relocated to the USA in 2017 and have organised various activities at venues [in New York and New Jersey] such as the United Nations headquarters, Times Square, Pace University, William Paterson University, Leonia Public Schools, in Bergen, New Jersey and Leonia Public Library. We still have family in China and continue to facilitate cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the USA.

Q: What inspires your painting themes?

A: We have been passionate about painting since childhood. Each stroke is an expression of our inner world, a reflection of our insights into life and beauty. For us, painting is not only a form of creation but also a means of self-dialogue and communication with the world. In this exhibition, Fan Lei depicts seasonal changes through different flowering periods, showcasing the aesthetic philosophy of Eastern art and a profound understanding of natural laws and the cycle of life.

Q: How has your art been recognised worldwide?

A: Over the years, we have engaged in artistic exchanges with notable figures such as Pierre Carron, president of the French Academy of Fine Arts, and various academicians and artists from France, Italy, Russia, the USA, Japan and Korea. For nine consecutive years we have celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year in New York's Times Square, sending greetings and blessings to people worldwide.

Q: Do you have mentors?

A: Zhai You studied under renowned artists Xu Peichen, Yan Gongda, and Zhao Junsheng. Fan Lei studied systematic flower-and-bird painting under National Academy of Painting artist Gong Wenzhen and systematic figure painting under China Academy of Painting vice-president Gao Yun.

Q: What are classical flower-and-bird paintings?

A: Classical flower-and-bird paintings are a crucial genre in traditional Chinese painting, characterised by several features: exquisite technique, symbolic meaning, aesthetic beauty, skilful composition, cultural heritage [and] personal style.

Q: How did you two meet?

A: We met in high school, where we both studied painting. We later entered art schools and have been creating together, supporting each other and taking care of our children ever since.

Q: What stories do your artworks tell?

A: Our artworks draw inspiration from natural scenery such as the tranquil flowers and stones in front of and behind houses, riverbanks, marsh grasses and waterfowl. Additionally, through our Home series we call for an end to war, the protection of children and women, the pursuit of peace and harmony, environmental conservation, and the collective care for our shared home, Earth.

Q: Is this your first time in Bermuda?

A: This is our first visit to Bermuda. We have long yearned to explore this mysterious and beautiful island. Our good friend Mr Yue Ma had suggested back in 2020 that we host an art exhibition in Bermuda, which we thought was a great idea. However, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we could only realise this dream today.

Q: Where else have your works been exhibited?

A: Our works have been exhibited in New York, Paris, Bordeaux, St Petersburg and Tokyo. In the future, we plan to showcase our art in Toronto, Rome, and London.

Q: How long did it take you to create Home?

A: From 2020 until now, we have dedicated four years to the creation of the Home series.

• The opening of Homeland: Chinese Classic Floral Art takes place tonight from 5pm to 7pm at Bermuda Society of Arts. The exhibit will run until August 15. For more information, visitwww.bsoa.bm