Recently, Chen Zhijie, an artist who grew up in the 90s spent 17 days on a scroll. The scroll has two parts. One portrays the Lantern Festival in Foshan where Chen now lives, while the other shows how Chen’s hometown Wuchuan, a city on the southwestern side of Guangdong, celebrates the important ocassion. The scroll was painted on a tablet.

Lantern Festival in Foshan, painted by Chen Zhijie

The 2.2-meter-long and 0.36-meter-wide scroll captures a splendid view of how the Cantonese celebrated the Lantern Festival before the strike of the pandemic. Cultural landmarks such as Kuaizi Street, the memorial archway of Ancestral Temple, Tongji Bridge and intangible cultural heritages such as Daliang Fish Lamp, Foshan Lion Dance, Foshan Harvest Parade can also be found on the work.

Ancestral Temple depicted in the scroll

People crowded in front of the Temple to watch Dragon and Lion Dances. One can also see people walking across Tongji Bridge from north to south with windmills, wind bells and lettuces in their hands. Everywhere is filled with a festive air of joy.

Crossing the Tongji Bridge, another iconic folks included in the work

Chen Zhijie also painted his hometown Wuchuan -  the memorial archway on the Jiangxin Island, Shizi Street, lifelike clay figurines, painted sculptures and many other cultural symbols. According to Chen, Wuchuan’s clay figurine has a history of more than a thousand year, starting from the end of Tang Dynasty. He blended the iconic ceramic arts from Shiwan, Foshan into his painting in his art. Allegedly, Foshan ceremics was brought to Wuchuan by some Foshan inhabitants.

Chen believed that this match may strengthen the cultural and artistic exchange between the two cities.

Last year, Guangfo Fighting Against COVID-19 by Chen also went viral on social media platforms. Due to the pandemic, Chen said that the year of 2022 marks the third unusual Spring Festival with less social gatherings. “I want to help others recall the good times we had before the pandemic through painting,” said the young man. “And I hope that by doing this, everyone can be motivated to take firm steps and joint efforts to fight against the virus. Im looking forward to a better reunion next year.”

Author | Natalie (intern)

Revisor | Jersey