On April 26, 2023, the CONTEXTS CONNECT, LOTUS BLOOMS - HEO'S HERE Contemporary Painting Exhibition of Xiao-Lou opened at the Wynn Palace. WOAC Executive President Rachel Qin attended the Opening Ceremony.

The exhibition has a positive significance in promoting the exchange of art between the East and the West and bringing Chinese culture and Chinese art to the world, with arts connect the world. The World Olymp'Arts Councilparticipated in this exhibition as a supporting organization.

Rachel Qin, Executive President of WOAC (in the middle), Zeyun Liao, Member of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Director of Macao University of Science and Technology (on the right), and Lei Li, APAC Representative of WOAC (on the left)

The exhibition was organized by Macao Foundation, Wynn Care Foundation, and Association of Overseas Education and Cultural Exchange, Nanjing, co-hosted by Macao University of Science and Technology, Macao and Nanjing Friendship Association, and Nanjing Information Management Institute, and supported by the World Art Center, the China Millennium Monument, the World Olymp'Arts Council and Hurun Report.

Administrator of Cultural Department of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao S.A.R. Mr. Xiaoping Tian, Director of Macao University of Science and Technology Mr. Zeyun Liao, President of Executive Committee of Macao Foundation Mr. Zhiliang Wu, Director of Macao Daily News Mr. Bo Lu, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and General Secretary of Macao University of Science and Technology Broad Mr. Jimin Chen, President of Wynn Care Foundation  Ms. Zhiling Chen, WOAC Executive President Ms. Rachel Qin, Director of Nanjing Association of Overseas Education and Cultural Exchange Mr. Longjun Tong, CEO of Hurun Report Mr. Nengxing Lv, Greek Doctor from Macao University Ms. Donglan Yi and other guests attended the Opening Ceremony.

Speech by Xiaolou Yuan

Xiaolou Yuan, also known as Kong Zhichao, is originally from Shandong. He is the 75th generation descendant of Confucius and excels in combining materials, olfaction, and visual creativity. He has established a new system that fuses Eastern traditional culture with modern aesthetics, becoming an exemplary figure in shaping the Eastern aesthetic system.

The exhibition presents 57 artworks created by Xiaolou Yuan over the past five years. It includes the "Seven Emotions and Six Desires" series that focuses on human nature, the "Dependent Origination and Emptiness" series interpreting Buddhist philosophy, the "Tribute to Dunhuang" series, and the extensive triptych work "Seven Sons," which draws inspiration from the song "Seven Sons" by Mr. Wen Yiduo. The pigments used in creating "Seven Sons" for this exhibition consist of over 53 different mineral pigments and precious metals, including Hetian jade from Xinjiang, Nanzhu powder from Guangxi, and silver powder. These materials were used to reshape the dignified grace of the mother, her boundless compassion, and convey a sense of serenity and fluidity in the artwork, evoking a profound sense of reverence in the viewers.

Artwork by Xiaolou Yuan, Picture from Official Website of Wynn Palace

When introducing this exhibition, Xiaolou Yuan mentioned that in the great artistic tradition of China, there has always been a unique level of respect and imagination associated with women. From the immortal Queen Mother of the West to the Bodhisattva, from the creation of the world by Nuwa to the descent of the Seven Fairies, from goddess paintings to paintings of elegant women, many ancient and enduring female figures embody the essence of their spirit and the core of Eastern aesthetics, centered around compassion to care for and protect life.

During the exhibition, a seminar on Yuan's artistic philosophy and reflections was held concurrently. Distinguished guests conducted a comprehensive and in-depth analysis and interpretation of Xiaolou's artistic characteristics, spiritual essence, life experiences, as well as the artistic value and social significance of his works. They engaged in enthusiastic discussions regarding Xiaolou Yuan 's proposal to establish a contemporary Eastern aesthetic painting system, offering high praise and recognition.

The Seminar Scene

The motto of WOAC is "Beauty will save the world" (quoted from Dostoevsky), and its values are universality, beauty, aesthetic, harmony, non-violence. The artistic aesthetics, underlying values, and creative concepts presented in this exhibition align with the values and ideals of the World Olymp'Arts Council. Through the universal beauty conveyed by art, it brings the world together and fosters unity.