MA HAN’S “FLAGS OF ALL NATIONS” AND “CIRCLE”

AT THE OPPOSITE HOUSE

Artist Ma Han’s latest two art pieces – “Flags of All Nations” and “Circle” at The Opposite House

 The Opposite House is pleased to showcase artist Ma Han’s latest two art pieces – “Flags of All Nations” and “Circle”. The works will be exhibited at the hotel’s atrium until March 31, 2014.

Ma created the two art pieces to stir up public nostalgia in connection with the ongoing trend of tearing down old cities and cultural structures to make way for modern developments. Regardless of the reasons for removing old alleyways and buildings, the city is at risk of losing its rich history. It is feared that its cultures and memories will not be preserved.

“Flags of All Nations” consists of old building bricks wrapped in ordinary pieces of cloth and modern fabrics, symbolizing the cultural history of the Chinese capital embedded deep within its people, but sugarcoated with modern-day conveniences.

The “Circle” series is made up of rings made of different building materials. Ma observed old structures being demolished on a daily basis and designed the rings according to the order of the parts and materials being removed—first the doors and windows and then steel and larger objects, followed lastly by the tiles. Ma constructed these rings as a metaphor for the “circle of life”. These demolitions are an inevitable result in the midst of the city’s growth.

Despite his observations above, Ma also revealed his secret guilt—the helplessness and powerlessness to prevent a repeat of the destruction—almost like anticipating the arrival of a huge storm.

“We are delighted to host this installation by Ma – a piece that complements our space beautifully and at the same time gives us food for thought during the start of the new year.” says Peter Wynne, area general manager of Swire Hotels, Beijing.

Born in Hunan province, Ma Han is a graduate of the Department of Oil Painting of the China National Academy of Fine Arts, Hangzhou. His works have been exhibited widely in France, Italy, New York, Dubai and Beijing. He currently lives and works in Beijing.

About The Opposite House

The Opposite House is located in Taikoo Li Sanlitun — a vibrant new open-plan shopping, dining and entertainment destination developed by Swire Properties.  The hotel’s 99 guest studios include 9 spacious suites and a penthouse duplex with a 240 sqm roof terrace.  More than half of all the studios are over 70 sqm and all are strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle touches of Chinese décor. Follow via social media on Facebook and Twitter. 

About Swire Hotels

Swire Hotels has been created to manage intriguing urban hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the United Kingdom, providing a characterful experience for travelers who seek individuality, style and personalized service.

The Opposite House, Beijing, opened in 2008 and was followed by The Upper House, above Pacific Place, Hong Kong, in October 2009. The Temple House will open Fall 2014 in Chengdu.

Swire Hotels opened a 345-room lifestyle business hotel called EAST, Hong Kong in Hong Kong’s Island East on January 2010. The 369-room EAST, Beijing, located within INDIGO in Jiangtai, opened in September 2012. EAST, Miami, offering 263 rooms and 89 serviced apartments, will open in Brickell City Centre in 2015.

Swire Hotels has launched a new collection of locally inspired and stylish hotels in the heart of great British towns and cities called Chapter Hotels. The first hotel in the collection, The Montpellier Chapter, Cheltenham opened in 2010. The second hotel, The Magdalen Chapter, Exeter opened in June 2012. 

Watch Swire Hotels YouTube videos here. 

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