The aim of this exhibition is to allow both the artists and the audience to explore, from various angles, how the combination of artistic imagination, creativity and cultural sensitivities impacts the final production of a piece of art.

In Chinese culture, animals are very often given symbolic meanings and are appreciated in many ways. They are not merely subjects of naturalistic depiction— they are vibrant vessels of meaning, often imbued with human characteristics, spiritual significance, and emotional resonance. 

For example, deers are seen as quiet, non-aggressive and graceful. In addition, the pronunciation of the Chinese word for deer is similar to the Chinese word for wealth. Because of this, deer are also seen as symbols of good luck, health, prosperity, happiness and graciousness. Other oft-depicted animals include cats and dogs. Cats are believed to have the ability to perceive things beyond human sight. Some humans believe that cats can even ward off evil spirits. As a result, cats are often used as symbols for good luck. Dogs in Chinese culture symbolize loyalty, companionship and protection. Furthermore, the dog is also the eleventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, representing the qualities of honesty, steadfastness and faithfulness.

This exhibition brings together six artists to explore how animals have been consistently endowed with human traits, serving as symbols, metaphors, and storytellers within the cultural imagination of China. Their works echo a timeless practice: projecting our inner lives onto the animal world, and in turn, allowing animals to speak back to us in the language of myth, dream, and reflection.