“Traditional Chinese Artist’s Tools Re-Examined”
Tin Ly, Artist
February 18-March 11, 2023
When Art Gallery 21’s team first began researching what our 2023 Broward Cultural Division grant proposal might look like, it was with an eye on the underserved populations. It has kind of become our niche to bring exhibits to the gallery that shine a light on a particular group of people. Being in Wilton Manors, a small town of 12,500+, we have a significant LGBTQ+ population and are familiar with the bias and prejudices that groups of people labeled as one thing or another might endure. We believe we can open eyes and hearts with the arts, introducing a beautiful handmade quilt created by black women in the south to an audience that never heard of Gee’s Bend. Or, perhaps, opening the doors for Latinex artists who have experienced discrimination in ways we can’t imagine.
With this exhibition of Tin Ly’s art we anticipate visitors will become immersed in the ancient Chinese artist’s tools as he presents them in ways that are beyond the traditional art gallery experience, offering a contemplative and meditative encounter that will lead a viewer to experience a state of calm attentiveness in which one’s actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort; what we Americans frequently refer to as Zen. In those moments of oneness, individual’s minds are opened to see that while we might have different colored skin or hair or eyes, inside we are the same.
We at Art Gallery 21 like the idea of providing these moments in time. We know it’s fleeting. Yet, it leaves its mark. And, our community needs more programming like that.
NOTE: We will be making a Call For Artists in approximately late summer 2022 who are Asian or artists whose work is influenced by Asian art.
ABOUT ART GALLERY 21
Art Gallery 21, Inc. is a Florida-registered 501c3 non-profit organization working in partnership with Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department to bring art and cultural experiences to the residents and visitors of the Island City. Art Gallery 21 is a volunteer-based non-profit that has been bringing thought-provoking art to the local community for over 10 years. For more information, please visit www.ArtGallery21.org. To donate to Art Gallery 21, volunteer during an event or exhibit, or have a general inquiry, please email ArtGallery21WCWM@gmail.com or call/text 954.225.5488.