Paintings support original drama 'Garden of the Jins'
Paintings featuring Shanghai women, created by local artist Li Shoubai, are accessible to all visitors at Shanghai Oriental Art Center before October 20.
Paintings of Shanghai women and the city’s historic shikumen (stone-gate) culture are on display at Shanghai Oriental Art Center.
The exhibition is a supporting act to the center’s first original drama “Garden of the Jins.”
The 18 paintings, created by local artist Li Shoubai, are arranged near the venue’s main entrance and accessible to all visitors until October 20.
Most of the works feature daily lives of women in traditional shikumen houses. The elegant qipao-clad Shanghai ladies in the paintings echo the characters in “Garden of the Jins.”
“Most of my paintings are inspired by my childhood memories in a shikumen house and longtang (alleyways),” said Li. “Wandering in the longtang and among the old shikumen houses, I feel the drive and urge to create. The elegant shikumen style inspires the imagination and creativity of those who lived here.”
Shikumen life serves as the backdrop of “Garden of the Jins.” The play is meant to satisfy public demand for original drama while also showcasing Shanghai’s local culture.
The show premieres this evening. Its plot revolves around the lives of two Shanghai women — a mistress and her servant — and their lifelong association, set against historical events in the city.
"Garden of the Jins" makes its debut at Shanghai Oriental Art Center on Friday.
