Banner Galleries: Yuqing Wei - 龙凤呈祥 2024

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Where the Dragon Soars and the Phoenix Dances.

The artwork comprises a dragon, and an Australian native parrot, digitally designed using the paper-cut art style.

ln Eastern culture, the dragon and phoenix are symbols of auspiciousness and prosperity when depicted together. The parrot design incorporates vibrant colour reminiscent of the phoenix, conveying its symbolic meaning.

The colour scheme prominently features red, orange and green. Red symbolizes the spirit of the Lunar New Year, while orange represents the Australian soil. Green conveys the concept of organic connection.

The paper-cut art style echoes the paper-making technique, one of the four great inventions of ancient China, further enhance the design, together with the design approaches mentioned above, which serves to celebrate Lunar New Year in a uniquely Australian way, while also representing a joint vision for brighter future. The design, incorporating the use of generative AI as one part of the creative process, integrates the Australian native parrots that echo phoenixes, with the dragon and phoenix figures central to Lunar culture. This connection enhances the overall meaning and understanding of the artwork, while also reflecting Australian society's cultural richness and diversity.

About the artist:

Yuqing Wei, an alumna of the University of Sydney with degrees in Bachelor and Master of Design in Architecture, embarked on her artistic journey in 2017 post-graduation. Initially focusing on architectural watercolours inspired by her academic background, she transitioned to pet illustrations in 2020, primarily using an iPad and Apple Pencil as her creative tools.

She believes that drawings, patterns and colour have the power to bring uplifting spirits and spread the love. Post-2020, her artistic hallmark has been the creation of custom pet portraits. Through these commissions, she has not only encountered numerous wonderful clients but also acquired a profound understanding of the pet world and the unique bond between humans and animals.

Committed to raising awareness about environmental and species protection through her art, Yuqing believes that presenting animal-related topics in a light-hearted, enjoyable manner, such as through drawings or animations, can effectively spread love and knowledge.

Her talent was recognized in 2023 when she received the highly commended prize at the Royal Easter Show for her pet drawings. Yuqing aspires to continue bringing joy to her audience with her artwork, contributing positively to the world on her artistic journey.