Mythical art

Ancient Chinese mythology has always been a great well of inspiration for Chinese artists. Nüwa, Yandi, Houyi, and other names of gods from ages past, have oft been depicted with ink on paper. Yet today, a new exhibition may be presenting them in a new way for modern art aficionados. French artist Marcestel is opening his AUSPICIOUS CHINA - Man of the World exhibition at the Manet Club's gallery, which sees these characters represented through oil on canvas. The show is jointly curated by the Chinese Cultural and Art Promoting Society, Manet Club and Tempo Art and features more than 70 oil paintings, including "Chinese Mythology," "Romance of Flowers" and "Paradise of Colors."

Marcestel, or Marc Antoine Squarciafichi to use his full name, has made no secret of the inspiration he drew from Chinese culture and legends when painting. This student of Dufy and Chagall began studying learning Chinese at 19, and has visited the country regularly since the 1970s. "Chinese mythology is less well-known than ancient Greek legends around the world. Therefore I was determined to introduce the beauty of Chinese mythology to the West," Marcestel said.

Born in Paris in 1943, Marcestel grew up to study economic sciences, Russian and Chinese in the French capital before being posted to the French embassy in Laos. During his travels in the Orient, he first saw paintings made with Chinese ink on Japanese paper. His passion for this artistic technique led him to give up a diplomatic career and become an artist, electing instead to recreate the style with canvas and oil colors. The palette of southern France and the application of Eastern ink painting became his signatures and led to him gaining the moniker of "Color Poet."

Marcestel is also known as the "Man of the world," glorifying his unique painting style which came from amalgamating the modern and ancient artistic traditions of many cultures. His skill forms a transparent and flowing painting style, its romance etched on many different materials such as lacquer ware, porcelain, marble, silk fabrics, glass, tapestries and linoleums, reflecting themes including nature, music, love, and animals.

College student Cynthia Zhao expressed her amazement at the paintings. "I never imagined that Chinese mythologies could be restored in such brave colors and exquisite painting style, but they look so harmonious," said Zhao.

Cui Zimo, professor of art history at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, said "Marcestel is already a maestro of painting skills. But it is his understanding of eastern culture that formed the heart and soul which raised his art to nirvana."

Marcestel said that his plan to paint Chinese mythologies has just begun. "In future, I will create more works on Chinese mythology. Hopefully I will keep creating works on modern China after that, as there is always a close connection between the past and the present day."

When: Until April 20

Where: Ground Floor, Manet Club, 6 Xingshikou Road, West of Sijiqing Bridge, Haidian district