On March 29 of 2014, 5art Space brought another unusual exhibition- THE MOMENT to Guangzhou in the fourth year after its establishment. Artists included are: Li Shan, Liu Ye, Yan Lei, Zhang Xiaogang, Zhang Yanzi, Xiang Jing, Xu Lei and Jiang Zhi. Different from the previous exhibitions, THE MOMENT collects not just daily creations from these artists, but their photographic works have also been included, which will supply for charity sale during the exhibition. All money raised from this charity will be donated to the Special Education Center of Guangzhou Children’s Palace, which is open to all those children born with autism and Down’s syndrome free of charge.

The Moment

Depression, unfortunately, affects young and old and can be a debilitating illness. Like a dark cloud that shrouds the person, it leaves them isolated and powerless, There is no goal in their life where they seek solace in a cold and dark room. They avoid conversations and meaningful interactions and has little motivation to start or finish a project. They cannot deal with even the simplest of chores but would instead be moribund with dark thoughts. Even if there are caring friends and family trying to reach out to help them, they are incapable of accepting help.

The hurly burly of modern day life has accentuated the problem and increasingly number of people are getting off of the bus of life, marooned in this inexplicable darkness. It is a lonely journey for those who found themselves in this quagmire.

Art is actually a language that even the morbidly depressed can appreciate. Regardless of the genres, art can help lift that cloud of darkness. This common language provides them with hope, with beauty and with a meaning. The hope is that through art, we would be able to reach out to those in the midst of their difficulties and allow them to embrace beauty, happiness and life.

Photography is a particularly powerful record of beauty and vibrancy. It is the ultimate language of hope and light. It is through this medium that I hope we can exemplify the meaning of life.

I have therefore selected eight artists that are particularly adept at explaining beauty and life through their photography. These talented individuals have joined out cause to lend a helping hand to this worthy project. Li Shan, Liu Ye, Yan Lei, Zhang Xiaogang, Zhang Yanzi, XiangJing, Xu Lei, Jiang Zhi are the leading contemporary artists in China with an enormous following. Equally importantly, they are lovely and lively people, with unique inner beauty, charming personalities, and love in their hearts.

Through their eyes, we hope that a skylight can open up for those in their darkest hour of need. These individuals strive to make the impossible possible. Our sincerest thanks to these artists for lending a helping hand.

Dandan Qin

Beijing

“Actually, our intention is not to do a charity, what we have taken into account is not how much we will raise, but the positive energy it may convey. It has been four years since we set up this art space, we usually experience the impacts of art works on human mind, thus we hope that these established artists will join in the exhibition in a very simple mood and grab the most normal “moments” of their lives,” said Wu Jie and Tang Yitang, founders of 5ART.

About the exhibition

Curator: Dandan Qin

Artists: Li Shan,Liu Ye,Yan Lei,Zhang Xiaogang,Zhang Yanzi,Xiang Jing,Xu lei,Jiang Zhi

Venue: 5art Space

Address: 5th Floor,Tianjun Mansion,365 Tianhe Road,Guangzhou

Host: 5art

Openning Hours: 10a.m.-6p.m., Closed on Monday

Enquiries T:+86 20 38816140

Courtesy of the artists and 5art.