Ode to Rocky Mountains : A Celebration of Canada 150
Chinese Painting Exhibition of John Chen
AUGUST 18, 2017 - AUGUST 30, 2017
Canadian artist John Chen presented his 252-meter-long watercolour painting in celebration of Canada 150 from August 18th to August 30th, 2017 at Poly Culture Art Center in Downtown Vancouver. The solo exhibition titled: “Ode to the Rocky Mountains – A Celebration of Canada 150” is co-sponsored by Poly Culture North America and John Chen Arts and features 17 of Chen’s paintings of his travels between his studio and place of residence. Chen’s prominent work: “The Rocky Mountains” describing iconic Vancouver landmarks are depicted and represented in the traditions and techniques of Chinese watercolour paintings. The piece has also applied for the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest Chinese scroll painting. Chen’s work seamlessly combines China’s traditional brushwork and elements along with Vancouver’s visually appealing subject matter.
About the Artist
John Chen (b. 1941) immigrated to Canada in 1992 after over two decades of working in art education in Taiwan. Chen is also the chairman of the Board of Taiwan Textbook Editors and International Art Exchange Committee.
Chen’s artistic reputation in Asia has been set for decades. The 252-meter-long landscape scroll painting was released in 2017 and has now been applied to the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest Chinese scroll painting. The stunning landscape depicted in Chen’s piece reflects the scenic details and magnificent landmarks found from Vancouver all the way to the Rocky Mountains. Chen was invited to participate in the Chinese Ministry of Culture’s “Xinhai 100” painting and calligraphy exhibition and was the only representative of Canadian painters. Chen is also well known in the overseas Chinese community as he heads John Chen Arts; an international art research center and the North American Landscape Painting Association. Chen is also the vice-president of the International Painting and Calligraphy Art Development Forum and is the president and director of the Vancouver International Gallery.
