Foreword
by Māris Čačka, director of Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre
Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre is proud to welcome a genius in the person of Hsiao Chin, a distinguished representative of Chinese abstraction whose lasting creative presence in the European cultural environment has enabled him to put himself on the map of global art, with a remarkable blending of Eastern and Western cultural idioms in works that display an individual painterly style more than 60 years in the making.
Despite the artist’s advanced years, his creative career continues to develop, his style gaining fresh, previously unseen characteristics. In a retrospective showcasing the art produced over more than half a century, his latest works form a compelling ensemble that speaks the language of symbols, highlighting his themes, embodying the artist’s complex worldview and articulating his many experiences.
The artist’s person and his art are truly inspirational and, no doubt, capable of motivating other creators to pursue their artistic ambitions. One should think that Mark Rothko would have been honoured to receive the artist in his hometown. Meanwhile, local artists from Daugavpils and Latgale region will surely find his work a stimulating example in terms of future growth and professional wisdom.
We are deeply indebted to the artist and to the Hsiao Chin Foundation for helping to make this exhibition happen.
