SYDNEY, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- On Thursday night, Beijing-based artist Lin Chunyan premiered his new solo exhibition, Second Spring, to a highly expectant Aussie crowd at Sydney's Vermillion Gallery, in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge.
In the lead up to the exhibition, journalist for The Australian newspaper, Glenda Korporaal described Chunyan's works -- most of which depict nature -- as having an, "eastern eye, and a western light."
Having first travelled to Australia roughly two decades ago, and spending many years living here since, Lin has grown to incorporate what he has learnt both from Australian and Chinese traditions.
"My work is mainly based on scenery and when I came to Australia, it (had such) magnificent natural scenery, which inspired me strongly," Lin said.
"However, the influence of Chinese culture is deep in my bones -- for example, Chinese paintings value freehand brushwork, in this way Chinese paintings always have a rhyme in the picture, a charm."
Among Lin's admirers is former Australian ambassador to China, Geoff Raby, who curated the new exhibit.
"What you see in this show is naturalist paintings, of forest flowers, the show is called second spring, for a couple of reasons," Raby said.
"One reason is that spring is here, and his work is alive with the feeling of spring with the beautiful flowers and colours."
Raby and Lin first met in Beijing in the 80s, and commenced a cross-cultural friendship spanning decades.
"We used to like drinking Beijing beer, eating peanuts, smoking cigarettes, and partying to music on cassette decks," Raby said.
The first piece of art which Raby ever bought was one of Lin's works, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting Chinese contemporary art.
Lin told Xinhua that he agrees with Korporaal's assessment which suggests he channels different influences from China and Australia, not just in terms of technique, but in the soul of the places too.
"I think it seems like a good combination -- the eye of the east, the light of the west -- these two are inseparable. I think it is very appropriate," Lin said.
