An exhibition by Yang Zhiling, whose watercolours are being shown within a Valletta multimedia setting, was launched over the weekend, serving as a backdrop for a discussion on the development of modern art in China.

The artist signing autographs.

The Tao of Nature, curated by Liang Shuhan as part of the fourth Valletta International Visual Arts festival, is on display at St James Cavalier.

For art critic E. V. Borg, Yang’s paintings follow an abstract expressionist style, conveying vigorous emotions that seem to be inspired by natural wonders such as dramatic sunsets, volcanic activity and lava flows.

The emotional impact is impressive and highly sensual, evoking feelings usually reserved for atmospheric and moody skies. Meanwhile, another part of the exhibition – featuring hanging scrolls and loops – explicitly suggests action or gestural painting, he notes.

The show serves as the backdrop for discussing modern art in China

“The latter two features with added movement and music are meant to create a spectacle. Fusing these elements might surprise the visitor.

“The saturation of colour in transparent liquid melts solid blobs into smoky halos of cigarette smoke that floats away like a gaseous spirit. Matter becomes immaterial.”

The exhibition is open to the public at Space A, St James Cavalier, Castille Place, Valletta. The opening hours are Mondays from 9am to 5pm, Tuesdays to Fridays to 9pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 9pm.

The show was organised by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and the Viva festival in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre in Malta. Entrance is free.

Yang Zhiling with his work at The Tao of Nature exhibition.