Azure Dragon Buddhist Temple by Ya Li

To commemorate International Women’s Day for the fourth year running, China Cultural Centre Malta is presenting Nature, Man and the Cosmos: A Dialogue.

Featuring the works of Chinese artist Ya Li and local artist Catherine Cavallo, the exhibition brings forth a cross-cultural dialogue.

Li is an acclaimed national level artist from Yunnan province, director of Yunnan Oil Painting Society, member of the China Artists Association and the Oil Painting Art Committee of Yunnan Artists Association. She is also a researcher at the Yunnan Culture and History Research Institute.

Li’s artistic vision and concept is inclined towards a poetic visual language and expression rooted in traditional Chinese painting. With a primary emphasis on layout in relation to meaning, the natural fusion of conception and illusion, and the interrelationship between one’s state of mind and reality, Li draws on her innermost feelings to portray visions on the beauty of her environment and perceptions of the world she imagines or experiences.

Haystacks in Gozo by Catherine Cavallo

Cavallo was born in Malta and pursued her studies and artistic career internationally, obtaining a first class honours diploma at the City & Guilds of London Art School in the fine arts/oil painting category.

She gives precedence to the human form but likes to interpret landscapes. Her aim is to stimulate vigorous emotions in the viewer. The artist explores the potential of textures and colours while layering both to infuse depth and movement into her works epitomised by the vivid dynamism of her landscapes and seascapes. As regards the human form, she exploits emotions through facial expressions, body movement and composition.

The exhibition opens to the public tomorrow and runs until March 20 at the China Cultural Centre at 173, Melita Street, Valletta. Viewing times: Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 2.30 to 5pm.