"The Legend of Naii is a tribute to my grandmother. Nai nai means grandma on the father's side in Chinese. She was the center of our family and will always be my inspiration.
For as long as I can remember she's always had silky white hair. She was also one of the last women in China who had their feet bound and survived the wars. She had eight kids even though one didn't live pass the age of 4. She carries them on her back in the eight paintings in order to look after them.
In these images she's depicted as a goddess warrior who defends the white lily forest from demon pests. If the white lily forest were her family, then the pests are the hardship and any other odds against it. She rides on auspicious animals such as the bat or rooster that protect her from harm and the paper cranes are a reminder of our love for her which is always by her side.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to dedicate this series to her. There's no doubt in my mind she will continue to inspire me on all levels for the rest of my life."
This series of 8 paintings will be part of a group show called "Battle Royal" opening at Gallery 1988 San Francisco on Friday, 6/26/09 from 7-10pm. The show will run from 6/26/09- 7/18/09.
To see all the paintings and the rest of the show-
1988br.blogspot.com/To see pictures from the opening-
www.flickr.com/photos/martinhsu/3676113686/in/set-7215761...For more of my paintings and illustrations-
www.martinhsu.com/The Audacious Rooster
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Vigilant Tiger
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Insightful Monkey
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Auspicious Bat
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Virtuous Stag
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Righteous Crane
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Prosperous Toad
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
The Persistent Turtle
Acrylic on wood
12" X 24"
