World Journal: Artist Lin Shih-Pao Holds Art Exhibition: 'One Prayer, One Painting' in Support of Ukraine
Lin Shih-Pao (second from the left) at the press conference for the 'One Prayer, One Painting' themed exhibition, held in Chinatown on the 26th. (Photo by reporter Liu Ziqi)
Taiwanese artist Shih Pao Lin’s exhibition, "One Prayer, One Painting," at the Artbean Coffee Roasters in Manhattan's Chinatown on the 26th. The exhibition aims to combine artwork with non-commercial spaces through unconventional methods to demonstrate the effectiveness of multi-dimensional art settings. It will run from Monday, the 29th, until Monday, June 12th.
Shih Pao Lin stated that the exhibited works are primarily inspired by the Russo-Ukrainian War. "One Prayer, One Painting" signifies that each prayer corresponds to a painting. Since the beginning of the conflict between the two countries, Shih Pao Lin has taken up the daily painting challenge, not only to support Ukraine through his actions but also to document the process of prayer and meditation.
He mentioned that the objective of this art exhibition is to assist two Ukrainian artists who aspire to immigrate to the United States. A portion of the proceeds will be used to support their legal and living expenses.
Ms. Li, the curator, highlighted the uniqueness of this exhibition lies in the selection of non-traditional gallery and museum spaces. Instead, composite venues like restaurants, coffee shops, and churches were chosen.
She emphasized that the artists have access to exhibition spaces free of charge, reducing the financial and time costs of purchasing decorations. Furthermore, the exhibition's timing caters to the needs of customers who can briefly pause and appreciate the artworks rather than being immersed in their phones.
Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Shih Pao Lin has created a small-sized painting in one hour every day. He has already produced hundreds of artworks and intends to continue until the war concludes. Last year, he used a portion of the proceeds from selling some of his artworks to aid Ukrainian refugees and humanitarian art programs, even personally donating an ambulance to the border with his team.
The press conference was attended by Chen Zuozhou, the Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, and lawyer Edward Cuccia, among others. The exhibition in Chinatown will run from the 29th until June 12th, located at 19 Doyers Street.
"One Prayer, One Painting" will also be exhibited at other locations, including Streecha Restaurant in Manhattan's East Village from now until July 14th. All Saints Ukrainian Church will showcase the exhibition every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm until July 14th. St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church will exhibit the artworks every day from 9 am to 4 pm until June 19th. Finally, Governors Island will host the exhibition from Thursday, June 1st, until July 31st.