Chinese Art Exhibition in Belgium
Antwerp is a city rich in artistic heritage, home to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and once the residence of the famous artist Rubens. There are lots of art activities and art galleries here.
In 2024, the Year of the Dragon, Martin Van Blerk Gallery in Antwerp hosted a Chinese Art Exhibition featuring the intricate micro-sculptures of Changwei Lou.
The owner of the gallery Martin Van Blerk said, “It is common to see European artists’ work here in Antwero, but showcasing artworks from Chinese artists is truly unique. I am excited and proud to host this first Chinese art exhibition in my gallery. I hope this exhibition will offer a refreshing experience to all who visit.”
This art gallery has more than 20 years of history, and it is located at an artistic neighborhood of Antwerp near the Stadpark.
During the opening event, attendees from Ghent, Brussels, and other Belgian cities joined, including people of the Belgium-China Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese Art Exhibition attracted both Chinese residents in Belgium and local Belgian artists, creating a diverse and vibrant audience.
Changwei Lou’s Artworks at Martin Van Blerk Gallery
When people walking past the gallery, they will see a big promotional post about the Chinese microsculpture artist Changwei Lou and some info about his micro-sculpture artwork.
Upon entering the gallery, Changwei Lou’s artworks are displayed on the right side of the space. A story wall narrates his artistic journey, featuring a collage of his artworks and photos of his creative process. On the pillars in front, two of his micro-sculpture masterpieces are showcased.
People held their breath as they looked at Changwei Lou’s micro-sculptures up close. They were amazed by the tiny, detailed work and couldn’t imagine how he created such fine pieces. The skill and time needed for his art left everyone impressed.
“The artworks by Changwei Lou are exceptionally fine and intricate. I believe they deserve to be exhibited in Paris or London, where they can reach a wider audience capable of truly appreciating the dedication and artistic spirit behind them. “
Martin Van Blerk, owner of the Martin Van Blerk Gallery in Antwerp, Belgium
About Changwei Lou
Changwei Lou is a Chinese micro-sculpture artist passionate about transforming natural stones with various colors and textures into intricate representations of ancient Chinese objects such as jade, teapots, and tools, vividly reflecting China’s cultural heritage.
Growing up in a small town in Zhejiang, China, Changwei Lou always enjoyed the “in the flow” feeling while creating his sculptures. Sometimes, he would become so engaged in his work that he forgot to eat and didn’t feel hungry. Of course, there were also frustrating moments when a beautiful piece would break due to too much force during carving. The greatest challenge was controlling the force to make precise carvings without breaking the stone. Despite the difficulties and frustrations, he persisted and learned from his experiences, becoming one of the best micro-sculpture artists in China.
With more than 40 years of experience in this field, Changwei Lou has gained widespread recognition both domestically and internationally for his astonishing work. Through his art, he showcases exceptional craftsmanship and dedication, encapsulating Chinese culture within his miniature sculptures.
