Che Cheng Lin, Plum Blossom & Butterfly, Undated, Chinese Ink and Colour on Paper, 93 x 34 cm
NAFA celebrates this spring with a feature exhibition of works from the NAFA Collection as well as a selection of 挥春 huichun calligraphy and 年画 nian hua new year paintings by NAFA’s alumni artists and calligraphers. Capturing the jubilant festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, bright colours, simple lines and joyous subjects define new year paintings. They are closely linked to daily life and embody good wishes for the year ahead. Spring couplets or 春联 chun lian are marked with messages of good fortune, happiness and long life; protectors such as door gods were believed to ward off malicious spirits. The bat that accompanies Zhong Kui the ghostbuster, is a homonym for good fortune. The 12 animal signs in the Chinese zodiac are deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and culture; with different personality traits represented in each animal sign.