S. Wei 

“Echoes of NongTang”

Expressive Form: Painting

Artist’s Statement

Echoes of NongTang captures the serene essence of Shanghai’s disappearing NongTang neighbourhoods, where time-worn architecture and traditional objects tell stories of a fading past. Bathed in the warmth of Chinese red and through the perspectives of windows, the artwork reflects both the vibrancy of cultural heritage and the pressing need for its preservation. As modernity surges forward, these historic structures, along with the elderly who once inhabited them, are increasingly forgotten. The painting speaks to the isolation of the older generation who feel lost amidst the rise of technology, and urges a reflection on the value of preserving both the physical and human aspects of cultural identity. 

Inspiration Artists: Henri Matisse and YiYu Hua.

Process Diary