Depicting ordinary concerns
Still-life paintings created by Beijing-based artist Chen Fei from 2017 is now on display at his solo exhibition Morning Market in Shanghai. His paintings are a kaleidoscopic view of the daily lives of people from different social divisions. The works on display are reminiscent of classical European still-life paintings and portraits. But unlike the tranquil feeling that is conveyed in European style paintings, Chen presents a broader vision in his work by embedding daily concerns of ordinary people. The arrangement of objects in his work shows influence of nianhua, or traditional Chinese New Year paintings. His work also reminds the audience of booming everyday scenes at the market where people of varying ages and income levels come together. Chen also interweaves his observations of geopolitical relations and cultural identity into his vivid narratives of life in a multilayered world. The exhibition is held at the Yuz Museum till May 9.
10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. 35 Fenggu Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai.
