Spectacular artwork presented to Southend

 

 

Li Qiang is best known in China for his flower depictions, and especially peonies for which his home town of Luoyang is famous.  

While his exhibition was under way at the Air Gallery in Dover Street, Mayfair, he and his delegation visited Southend.  

Their trip incorporated arts organisation, Metal, based in Chalkwell Park, the Beecroft Art Gallery in Westcliff, meeting Mr Tony Law, President of the South East Essex China Association which has its headquarters at Southend's Pearl Dragon restaurant, and meeting with the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor David Norman.  

Later, Li Qiang presented a beautiful picture of peonies to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis.  

In return, he, and another of the Chinese guests, Li Bin, who is head of Public Security, were each given framed pictures of Southend Pier and the Pier trains.  

Councillor Jarvis said: "This painting is a wonderful gift to the town. We are very honoured to have welcomed Li Qiang's and the delegation - which further reinforces Southend's position as the region's cultural capital.

"Li Qiang explained to us that peonies represent health and wealth. We look forward to deciding where the picture should best be displayed. "  

The London exhibition, and the Southend visit, was organised by the Southend-based Pennington and Partners (Arts) Ltd, in association with Miss Mi Na - U.K. China cultural exchange ambassador.

Deeply rooted in the culture and artistic heritage of the Chinese fine art tradition, Li Qiang is a celebrated master in his homeland of China and his reputation has already spread to Japan and the U.S.A. where his work is avidly collected.  

This exhibition was the first opportunity for U.K collectors to see some of his works in exhibition and acquire them.