By Michael Doran
For the first time in the Yarra Valley, the Chinese-Australian Contemporary Artists (CACA) will be exhibiting at Art at Linden Gate from Friday 11 January until Monday 11 February, 2019.
This group of artists have formed their own strong reputations over many years but it was only in July that they came together to exhibit as a group.
Reggie Clark of Art at Linden Gate said, “The members of CACA have received many national accolades over the past 20 years. Striving to bring two diverse cultures together as a group of artists born in China and raised in Australia, the artists draw from their unique individual experiences to offer exquisite contemporary art.
“First time visitors to their exhibitions have often expressed surprise when the artists go beyond traditional Chinese art forms such as ink painting, calligraphy and folk art. This exhibition is bringing world-class contemporary Chinese art to the Yarra Valley.”
Two of the artists exhibiting are Hong Fu and Pei Pei He, both of whom have had their work entered into the prestigious Archibald Prize.
Hong Fu arrived in Australia in 1990 and has painted many celebrated Australians, including Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Cathy Freeman, Sir James Gobbo and local artist Ernst Fries. He has exhibited across Australia and his 55 solo exhibitions included Italy, UK, China and four other Asian countries.
Pei Pei He has a fascination with the rhythm and movement of Melbourne’s urban landscape and city life, which she depicts with calligraphy in a blend of western and eastern elements. She was born in Shanghai during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and completed her studies at Melbourne University in 2005.
Art at Linden Gate was established by sculptor, Ernst Fries in 1985 and his daughter Reggie Clark manages the gallery as well as the on-site accommodation. Although in his 80s, Ernst Fries is still creating his flowing stainless-steel works in the studio at Linden Gate.
The exhibition opening is on Saturday 12 January from 1-3pm and all are welcome with RSVP to artatlindengate@gmail.com for catering purposes. More details at www.artatlindengategallery.com.au.
