LOCAL artist Jason Min has been creating paintings featuring animals representing the Chinese Zodiac signs for the past six years to commemorate the Chinese New Year.
This year, he turns his attention to the dragon as the Chinese welcome the Year of the Dragon on Feb 10 (Saturday), according to the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle, repeating every 12 years, assigns a specific animal to each year, forming a cycle of 12 animals. They are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is considered the most auspicious of all. It is a symbol of power and strength and is associated with wisdom, success, good fortune, protection and masculinity.
Through six series of artworks featuring the dragon, Min narrated the mythical dragon’s nine sons to promote Chinese culture.
His diverse artworks include paper-cutting, building blocks, watercolors and acrylic canvas paintings.
“After a year of adjustment (following the Covid pandemic), we are now ready to embrace the Year of the Dragon and confront challenges with high morale.
“Due to the dragon’s perseverance and unyielding spirit, it is time for breakthroughs in our careers or fulfil our dreams, all while prioritising our health and family,” Min told Buletin Mutiara in an interview recently.
Through his drawings, it is evident that Min is passionate about preserving traditions.
For instance, he crafted two enormous red packets (ang pows), measuring 98cm and 180cm, and exhibited them in an art gallery at 1, Lorong Lembah Permai 8, 11200 Tanjung Bungah.
“China has embraced a cashless system, and red packets have been replaced by e-wallets.
“Similarly, this custom has also evolved here. However, I believe it must persist.
“The true essence of giving ang pow lies not in the monetary value, but in bestowing blessings for all the good things upon the recipient. That is the heartfelt desire of the elders,” Min explained.
One of his watercolour paintings depicts a family making kuah kapit (love letters) for Chinese New Year. Min expresses concern that this tradition, fostering familial bonding, may be fading as fewer families engage in making this delicacy, except for commercial purposes.
Another painting captures a family reunion dinner, a significant tradition during the Chinese New Year celebration.
There is also a painting depicting ancestral worship, showcasing a family’s reverence for the deeds, memories and sacrifices of the deceased.
Min’s artwork is currently on display at Nature Healing, 1, Lorong Lembah Permai 8, 11200 Tanjung Bungah. Appointments can be made by calling 012-4674877.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Lee Jia Ying