THE LIGHT OF MARSEILLE

-- Oil painting Exhibition by Zhou Shichao and Guy Toubon

My yearning for Marseilles was planted in my mind when I first began to paint, because it is this land that has nurtured the great artistic lives of Montcelli, Cezanne, Picasso and Van Gogh. At that time, the deep blue sky and deep blue harbor described by the masters were the only way and imagination for me to look forward to Marseilles. Only through the contemplation and comprehension of one master's works, I am always intoxicated with the unrestrained and passionate, and I always believe that Marseilles, like my beloved hometown Qingdao, is a place full of enthusiasm and sunshine, and is another hometown of mine. At one time, how to find and express this passion and sunshine on the canvas was all I thought about painting. Over the years, this ray of bright and romantic sunshine has given me too much guidance and inspiration, which makes me stick to my belief and walk among several cities. I am devoted to the canvas and walk to today. In the heart of that brilliant warm yearning and miss, but also with the time of deduction and more mellow and clear.

Last year, AT the invitation of the Municipal government of Marseilles, I set foot on this strange yet extremely familiar land, with its quaint streets, quiet bays, bustling docks and distant napoleon Island... When I saw these scenes, which had been copied and rehearsed countless times in my heart, were presented in such a manner in front of me, I felt a sense of belonging beyond joy. Walking in the streets and woods of Marseilles, listening silently to the whispers of the city, there are her inspirations and spiritual enlightenment for me. For this revelation and enlightenment, I interpret it through painting. The solo exhibition "Sunrise · Marseille" is my sincere tribute to my beloved Marseille and its people.

In Marseilles, and Mr Guytoubon acquaintanceship is exciting, he had a French provence scenery of the author's southern Gaul expressionism poetry with his particular enthusiasm, no matter in the style of painting idea or temperament preferences, we feel more congenial, in exchanges and cooperation with him, I got the unprecedented feeling and harvest. Will this with Mr Guy toubon exhibition named "light" of marseille, is to "sunrise·marseille" last October, want to let Chinese audiences to a from marseille to provence ancient street beautiful pastoral charming France, while enjoy the romantic, quiet, feel me to marseille that love; I also hope to promote further communication and exchanges between Chinese and French cultures.

 Zhou Shichao

Zhou Shichao (first left), Guy Toubon (third left) and Lee Dong-dong (second left) pose for a group photo at the Light of Marseille exhibition

At the opening ceremony of the Light of Marseille exhibition, Mr Zhou received the Order of the Honorable Citizen of Marseille

The Light of Marseille -- Opening Ceremony of Zhou Shichao and Guy Du Peng Oil Painting Joint Exhibition (I)

The Light of Marseille -- Opening Ceremony of Zhou Shichao and Guy Du Peng Oil Painting Joint Exhibition (II)