Spanish bullring inspires artist's latest exhibition

In her Matador series of paintings, Li Ruoheng uses materials such as gold, pearls, gems, mother-of-pearl and enamel to better re-create the resplendent bullfighting attire and the imposing grandeur of the bullring in Madrid.

Having worked and traveled on different continents, Li imbues her understanding of history, tradition and cultural similarities and differences into her painterly scenes with tension, vitality and strength.

Her ongoing exhibition in Beijing's 798 Art Zone, Matador, engages the audience with a dialogue across time and space in which Li celebrates passion, freedom and courage.

The exhibition, which runs through Aug 9 at Gen Gallery, is curated by Xia Kejun who says that Li's works possess a unique texture and an enchanting aura, reminiscent of the mysterious undertones of medieval frescoes.