Art

MGM opens ‘Legends of Chivalry’ exhibition with Ren Zhe

Ren Zhe

Chinese artist Ren Zhe is showcasing a diverse body of work that seamlessly uses China’s rich cultural heritage in his current exhibition at MGM Cotai.

The collection includes a wide range of mediums, from striking sculptures depicting iconic figures like Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms period, to contemporary furniture, lifestyle products and fashion designs.

Ren Zhe, a graduate from Tsinghua University in the Academy of Fine Arts and member of the GBA “Top Talent Scheme,” has previously held other art exhibitions and has recently seen his work gain fame from collectors in the Asian and international auction art markets.

His exhibition includes nine sculptures of classic characters from Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, 11 sculptures from Ren’s iconic “Warrior” series, numerous manuscripts and prints, a series of home decor products and a selection of neo-Chinese apparel.

“The overall goal is to create contemporary expressions and interpretations of traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics, to make them relevant and accessible in modern life and daily living,” the artist said in a media interview.

Intertwined with the art pieces are the artist’s forays into the world of lifestyle and fashion. The “ARTI_DIVINE” home decor brand, which the artist serves as art director, showcases a range of products that seamlessly blend traditional Chinese elements with modern design.

From tea sets to wine collections, the brand aims to redefine the contemporary Chinese lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the country’s rich cultural legacy.

The artist’s venture into the fashion industry with the “RE_DIVINE” brand further exemplifies their holistic approach to integrating Chinese aesthetics and values into all facets of life.

“We also hope that in the future life, we will be related to beauty everywhere,” said the artist.

“At the same time, the beauty is not only visual, but is also the beauty of thought, civilization and culture,” he added, underscoring the deeper significance behind their creative endeavors. The fashion collection aims to capture the spirit of revered literary and martial arts traditions, offering stylish menswear and womenswear infused with subtle Chinese influences.

“When we wear clothes, we’re not just looking at fabric and tailoring,” the artist said. “We’re expressing a deeper cultural ethos – the traditions, values and sense of identity that these designs represent.”

Meanwhile, speaking at the opening ceremony, Pansy Ho, chairperson and executive director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “We aspire to not only promote traditional Chinese culture to locals and tourists through Ren Zhe’s contemporary sculptural works, but also to inject commercial elements into the local art scene.” Howard Tong

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