Mai Lang's Pen and Ink Works on View in Turin

Mai Lang, the alias of Qian Shengyi (born 1978 in Wenzhou), is displaying his pen drawings and engravings at Associazione Quasi Quadro in Turin. His artwork captures the collective memory of landscapes and examines how urban growth affects traditional Chinese communities. As a painting instructor at Zhejiang, he advocates for local culture. He observes, "New buildings are in the background... The giants, the skyscrapers, stand all identical." His meticulous line work connects him to the esteemed tradition of Oriental engraving. He critiques constructions designed for tourism that falsely claim to be ancient, striving to reclaim authenticity. Some artworks portray Turin, which he feels resembles Chinese villages, highlighting the importance of honoring history. The exhibition celebrates a city undergoing change.