|
|
|
 |
| back>> |
| Staying true to art |
Renowned American painter Walter Lopez paid a visit to Xiamen last week to open an exhibition of his work at Mamma Mia, a local Italian restaurant across from the Marco Polo hotel. The exhibit features dozens of his works and will be on display for the next four months.
Painting his calling
Mr. Lopez's works have been on display from Paris to New York, but his roots are located in a love for painting that transcends money. As a teenager, he began to paint in school and enter art competitions. When his teacher told him his work was not a suitable entry, the young artist had to decide whether to change the work to please his teacher. Mr. Lopez chose to “be true to his art” and the painting went on to win the competition. At that moment, he realized painting was his calling.
The artist notes that he is literally compelled to paint: at least once a month, he awakes with a headache that can not be lessened until he paints, at which point it immediately ceases.
Sharing with his audience
However, Mr. Lopez paints not only for himself, but also to create an opportunity for his audience to experience deeper emotions. As a practicing psychologist, he is intimately familiar with the experiences he wishes to give his audience. When fans ask him what his paintings mean, he tells them to go back to the painting, spend some time with it, and discover what the painting means to them. He hopes they will “take a minute and see what comes out in their lives.”
China waking up to art
Having previously visited Xiamen in 1994, Mr. Lopez expressed amazement at the way the city has changed. He is excited to make connections between Western and Chinese painters, and hopes to build on that relationship upon his return in 2008. Additionally, Mr. Lopez is finalizing a book that will contain 70 of his works and his own reflections on art.
Mr. Lopez is excited that “China is waking up to art, which is no longer just for public buildings, people can buy or experience art in a range of different settings.” He encourages local residents to come to the exhibition, which is free to the public, to view his paintings and truly experience art in their lives. After all, he says, “everyone is an artist, if people can truly look inside and find that in themselves.”
|
|
| back>> |
|
