Single Child Generation Exhibition Jan-March o9 near 102 Studios

Single Child Generation Exhibition -Jan-March 09 and an exhibition expressing where they fit in to society.

This is an exhibition about the single child family in China. 60 young artists were selected and invited to respond to the theme.

These works are an exploration of the younger generation of single children, their feelings and how they see themselves fitting into society. The paintings and 3D work by young artists have given them a sense of individuality but on the downside feelings of isolation, confusion of east and western ideas and loneliness. Young people I have spoken to under 30, are aware of this and talk about close relationship with families and pressures they experience from families as they are the only child. They don't know what it is like to have brothers or sisters.

In my opinion, the impact of the single child family has led to greater material wealth, success and material happiness, providing them with more choice. I am aware that their parents generation, under communism were denied choice until recently, when China opened up 30 years ago. Young artists can pursue their careers with the help of their parents and you can see evidence of this in Huang Jue Ping where it is a haven for artists, academics who live a bohemian lifestyle and a sense of artistic freedom. The young population and their parents generation are more modern and open in outlook compared to my parents, who hold on to tradition.

From my observations, the majority of people in China are happier with choice, opportunities and wealth. On the downside there is no choice with the media as they are heavily controlled by the government, a one party state and therefore the reality is that there is a lack of freedom of speech.

Later, I will present a page on the environment and the impact of the heavy industries and pollution that has impacted on the lives of local people. They have no choice. i.e. factories mushroom up everything or highways are built through rural areas with no consultation.

I will be taking a trip to the Yantze River, along the three Georges to view the environmental impact and the Dam in Yichang. Many artists have been inspired by this and created work related to the issues. After my trip I hope to gain a better understanding of the region, the history and knowledge of the area.

It has been a fantastic eye opener to view the work of artists, from young emerging to the established in this area.

Please do send in your comments and views about my blog. I hope that my blog continues to give you a true represenation if the real China,breaking down the stereotypes and negative perception of China. The country is transforming and going through change.