SM North EDSA Opens Up Chinese New Year With Chan Lim Exhibit!

The Lunar New Year is upon us this 2017 with the year of the Fire Rooster and it is also a great time to look into Chinese culture and the colorful traditions that are celebrated and passed on to many generations. One of these is visual art through Chinese painting. 

The name that comes in mind with this art here in the Philippines is the Chan Lin Family which have gone a long way with their art and even opening their school to students who are interested in the art which has its own techniques and charm to its audience. With the patriarch, Jose Chan Lim celebrating his 80th year, it marks a milestone not only for the family but also for the larger family of artist.

SM North EDSA celebrates with the family with a special exhibit of plates and scrolls at The Block. The exhibit feature works from the Chan Family as well as the students. For many years, they have went to many SM Malls all around the country which dates back to the first time in 1995 in SM Megamall. With the launch, they also had set up a Chinese painting tutorial with the media and fans to bring the art closer to Filipinos.

Leading the session is Dr. Alex Chan Lim who is one of the children of Jose Chan Lim. He along with brothers Felix , Rolex and Jolex are collective known as the Chan Lim brothers and their children also continue the tradition as the third generation of artists. 

The session was simple and quick as he made 2 painting in less tha 10 minutes. After that, the family of artists become the teachers for the participants with watercolor and rice paper. I also tried it myself and I have to admit that it is not as easy as it looks. Each brush stroke must be precise and fast. At the end of the session, at least I can probably make a bamboo stalk.

The exhibit formally opened with the traditional Chinese dances which includes the lion and dragon dance. Robin Padilla also came to celebrate with the family who has been a supporter for many years.  With the many activities for the Lunar New Year, the Chinese Paintings will be an interesting experience to mall goers.

The Chan Lim exhibit will run until February 12.