Influenced by China

China is an interesting place to create art. It is in a state of dynamic change in which thousands of years of history are clashing with international ideas. This clash makes much of China's modern art quite thought provoking. For example, one of the pieces I saw a small sculpture depicting Confucius being crucified. For me, it posed a lot of questions about the cultural differences between east and west, and how the growing influence of Christianity in China might shape the local culture. I interpreted it as two different approaches to a teacher. In the west, many Christians are so busy apologising for crucifying Jesus that they never consider what he had to say. In the east, Confucius is given respect, and his words are considered.

While modern Chinese art is thought provoking, the traditional ink paintings exist more in the emotional realm. Much of the style involves being economical with lines to create an image that inspires the imagination. If you look at a Chinese painting, the image seems to come alive. It isn't the painting itself that is coming alive, but the imagination of the beholder that has been triggered, and is filling the gaps of the painting with their own feelings.

At times, westerners have been a bit critical of Chinese ink painters as they seem to lack individuality. Personally though, I think saying that that Chinese artists lack individuality because they have not invented a new style would be like saying Ludwig van Beethoven lacked individuality because he didn't invent a new musical instrument.

The forces of change in modern China, as well as the traditional ink, have influenced my art. I've found myself gravitating towards iconographic elements that are seen in Chinese calligraphy, and economically using black lines in order to stimulate the imagination. My main subject matter has been sex. This is probably because it has been an image that sorrounds me. Being an Italian-looking foreigner has resulted in me being saddled with the stereotype of sexual immorality. Consequently, I've been both a target of women trying to liberate their carnal fantasies, as well the target of critics who want to uphold Chinese morality. Furthermore, Chinese women tend to be quite sexualised on TV and feminine in daily life. This is quite different from Australia, where the deconstruction of gender identities have resulted in women being quite masculine.

Even though I've been heavily influenced by China, and the Chinese are proud when they can exert influence on outsiders, I've found it difficult to promote my work in China. This site is blocked, and I was not allowed to have an exhibition at the university I worked. I am guessing that the main concern is the subject matter may erode the morality of Chinese.

Chinese Lady

Yoga Girl

Chinese Woman with her Legs Open

Exploration of a Woman's Form

Exploration of a Gentleman's Form

The Gentleman Asks the Lady to Dance

Removed

Roar