SHiNE Art Space is pleased to announce 'Portrayal of Women', an exhibition showcasing four female artists who interpret their own gender in four different and very unique ways.

The four participating female artists, Xiong Lijun, Lin Hairong, Lu Cheng and Chen Weiwei all grew up during the period of economic reform in China. Their understandings of women are influenced by many different external factors as well as the traditional values they may have been taught or told by their families. With the background of the revolution, Chinese women became stronger and more independent than they were traditionally expected. Despite this, the inevitable influence of history and culture resulted in that Chinese women had both the celebrated virtues from the old times and the qualities of independence and strength of the modern age.

Works by Xiong Lijun is the most current and in tune with contemporary living and concerns of over-indulgence in luxury goods. Xiong paints what is perceived as 'beauty' in most Asian society today.

Lin Hairong draws a lot of references from old Chinese literature where women are celebrated for their virtues of being an obedient daughter, a caring wife and a good mother.

Lu Cheng is one of the very few young Chinese contemporary artists who are dedicated to abstract paintings. She uses repetition of motifs, mainly squares and rectangles, which carefully creates images of Chinese Folk Art.

Chen Weiwei's works bravely express cynicism and bitterness on her canvases. She paints eye-catching slim and stylish female figures that deliver strong messages through the composure of her pieces.

Artists shown:
Xiong Lijun (b.1975), Lin Hairong (b.1975), Lu Cheng (b.1979), Chen Weiwei (b.1981)

Image: Xiong Lijun, Big Women Small World, 160x200cm, 2008