Cover 100 Panda, a painting by Chinese artist Julie Zhu, available at Gallery 1819

In celebration of the birth of Le Le, the first panda cub born in Singapore, Chinese artist Julie Zhu launches her first digital artworks at the Pandamonium exhibition held in Singapore at Gallery 1819

Crypto art is the hottest property among collectors these days, taking the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) that are often sold for record-making prices at auction. Now, Singapore-based purveyor Gallery 1819 is launching its first NFTs, in collaboration with Chinese artist Julie Zhu.

Inspired by the birth of Le Le, the first giant panda cub born at the Singapore Zoo in August 2021, Zhu has collaborated with Gallery 1819 to launch a series of 10 panda-themed NFTs, as well as a solo exhibition entitled Pandamonium, running at the gallery in Singapore’s Tan Boon Liat Building from January 28 to February 22.

In case you missed it: You Can Now Visit Le Le, the First Panda Cub Born in Singapore, at River Wonders

Tatler Asia
Above Pandamania, the series of NFTs by Chinese artist Julie Zhu, available in 10 unique editions

The vibrant series of NFTs by Julie Zhu features panda motifs inspired by neon art, available in eye-catching tones that dance across the screen. The NFTs are inspired by Mr. Right, a Chinese ink painting on rice paper by Zhu depicting a panda with a bowtie; it's also shown as part of the Pandamonium exhibition at Gallery 1819.

“NFT art holds the potential to transform the entire creative space, and for that we are excited to be part of this emerging trend,” says Gallery 1819 owner Zak Lo. “Julie’s art celebrates the pursuit of love and feelings of innocence, which I felt were apt in marking the birth of Le Le. We both also share an enthusiasm for art and NFTs, and want to excite and delight collectors.”

Read more: How Gallery 1819 Transformed the Look of Tatler House Singapore with Art

Tatler Asia
Above Chinese artist Julie Zhu

The artist’s Pandamonium physical exhibition, on the other hand, showcases the loveable black-and-white bear in a series of delightful expressions, brought to life with Chinese ink on rice paper. The highlight of the collection is a 1.7m-long painting of 100 pandas, each with its own unique demeanour; the panda in the centre of the painting is inspired by Le Le, the young panda cub in the Singapore Zoo.

“They are the personification of people in the current globalised world, with the panda in the middle being Le Le, the newest member of the family. I would also like to use my paintings to make a record of such a memorable moment in Singapore’s history,” says Zhu. “I chose to express my thoughts through Chinese ink; my previous works were more focused on frame and style, but I chose to place emphasis on the ephemeral concept (of bringing) delight, where my works are not confined to the perspective of an object.”

Don’t miss: NFTs: Everything You Need to Know About The Digital Phenomenon

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 3 Warmth by Julie Zhu, a painting in Chinese ink on rice paper
Photo 2 of 3 I’ll Be Right Here Waiting For You by Julie Zhu, a painting in Chinese ink on rice paper
Photo 3 of 3 Abundance by Julie Zhu, a painting in Chinese ink on rice paper

Zhu adds: “Chinese ink paintings pay attention to the placement of shapes where the beauty lies in the positive and negative spaces, and Le Le's birth is a perfect symbol of friendship between Singapore and China. The panda is a national treasure of China and has always played the role of peace messengers in China’s international relations. It is also a symbol of new life and new hope. The panda is adored not only for its rarity, but its black and white fur also symbolises the balance and peace in the traditional Chinese martial art, Tai Chi.”

Tatler Asia
Above Freedom by Julie Zhu, a painting in Chinese ink on rice paper; these paintings by Julie Zhu feature motifs inspired by flora and fauna
Tatler Asia
Above Progress, a painting in Chinese ink on rice paper

Located at Tan Boon Liat Building, Gallery 1819 offers artworks from artists across Asia in a range of mediums spanning Chinese ink to gouache paintings. The gallery has collaborated with famous names such as prominent local artist and Cultural Medallion recipient Thomas Yeo, as well as veteran ceramist and sculptor Ong Kok Peng; some of Zhu's work is also currently being displayed at Tatler House, the Singapore headquarters of Tatler Asia.

Read more: Living With Art Founder Zak Lo Found His Creative Calling By Opening A Gallery

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