SHEN MING CUN

Shen was born in 1956 and graduated from the University Art College of Guang Xi in China, where he is now Professor of European Art. He has had paintings shown in important national exhibitions in Beijing and at the Chinese Masterpiece show in Hong Kong along with a host of non commercial exhibitions in other major cities in China that are listed below:

Selection of Non Commercial Exhibitions

1993 - Guang Xi Fine Art Exhibition - Silver prize

1994 - 8th National Art Exhibition, Beijing

1994 - Chinese Art Exhibition, Hong Kong

1997 - World Art Exhibition, Shanghai

1998 - Guang Xi Fine Art Exhibition - Silver prize

1999 - 9th National Art Exhibition, Beijing

2003 - 3rd China Oil Paintings Exhibition

2007 - Beijing Open - Gold Medal

Commercial Exhibitions

1998 One Man Show Bristol, England

2000 One Man Show Bristol, England

2001 One Man Show Catto Gallery, London, England

2002 One Man Show Bristol, England

2003 One Man Show Catto Gallery, London England

2004 One Man Show Bristol, England

2005 One Man Show Catto Gallery, London, England.

2007 One Man Show Catto Gallery, London, England.

Shen Ming's artistic skill not only lies in his superlative technical ability but also in its ability to affect our emotional levels. His paintings depict the tribes of the Miao, Yao and Dong of the remote Sichuan region, who's way of life is increasingly under pressure from the huge progress that China is currently experiencing. Whether it is the cupid -like young women adorned in traditional costume, bedecked with glittering silver jewellery and ornate headdress or the traditional interiors of their homes, without electricity or running water, we can only be inspired by the artistic skill of this extraordinary painter. This world untouched, unspoilt by so-called civilisation, is captured by his beautifully crafted masterpieces. His paintings are steeped in tradition not sentimentality.

We can only wonder how long these traditional tribes can survive with the inevitable movement of the young people to the major cities and towns and only the dwindling elders retaining the ancient knowledge and traditions. For the time being these communities have been allowed to continue their way of life, but for how long?

Within each tribe there is a remarkable difference in clothing and adornments even between villages. All their clothing is sewn entirely by hand by the girls and younger women and their jewellery made within the village itself. Shen Ming's paintings show the variation in skirts, jackets and jewellery worn at the local festivals and markets by the different tribes. The Miao favour the extremely fine silver jewellery and exquisite headdress and the Yao the splendidly intricate needlework and dazzling embroidery. How can we not be touched by these incredible images, with the serenity tinged with a sense of sadness. He has captured a unique way of life that may be lost, tragically forever.

The combination of his talent, his technical skills and his ability to observe his subjects have led people to compare his work to that of the "old masters".