Multo Corpus    Oct 12 - Dec 7, 2012

Art Beatus (Vancouver) Consultancy Ltd. is pleased to present MULTO CORPUS, a solo exhibition featuring ink on Xuan paper works by Vancouver-based Chinese-Canadian artist, BAN WEI. In traditional Chinese ink painting, one might envision idyllic scenes of mountains, trees, flowers, and birds, but Ban Wei’s paintings – a combination of the traditional Chinese medium of ink on Xuan paper (Chinese rice paper) and life drawing - are not any typical Chinese works of art.

BAN WEI'S paintings are like abstract landscapes. Using his left and right hand to paint, he harmonizes the inequality into one. Human figures of varying shapes and postures dance in different directions yet are balanced by the meticulous construction of lines, forms, and shades of black and white. Interspersed among the figures are Chinese characters and symbols reminiscent of Chinese calligraphy. BAN WEI'S monochromatic brushstrokes are minimal and subtle, while the gaunt human bodies in his works depict a sense of fragility. Rather than implying a fixed representation, the artist allows his paintings to speak silently for themselves, encouraging viewers to create a dialogue between the works and their personal journey. From Chinese ink traditions to Western forms of expression and abstraction, BAN WEI demonstrates what contemporary Chinese ink painting is about by effectively integrating the essence and aesthetics from both cultures.

Born in Hong Kong and living in Canada for 20 years, BAN WEI is not only a painter, but also an accomplished print maker and ceramicist. His artworks have been shown in numerous local and international shows, and MULTO CORPUS, running from October 12, 2012 to December 7, 2012, is the artist's first exhibition with Art Beatus (Vancouver). The show opens with a reception on Friday, October 12 from 3pm to 6pm and BAN WEI will be in attendance. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit our website at www.artbeatus.com or call the gallery at 1 (604) 688-2633.