MID-AUTUMN MOONGAZING

 

Mid-Autumn Moongazing, acrylic on canvas, 2024. 24" X 16.5"

The artwork is made for the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival and incorporates various elements related to the festival, including mooncakes, rabbits and lanterns, coming together to represent unity. The festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar, when a full moon would be visible by night. The full moon in the night sky is a powerful symbol of unity, as it reminds people of the importance of family and loved ones coming together. Gazing at the full moon is a time-honored tradition during the festival, as it is believed to bring good luck and happiness to the family.

The centerpiece of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations is the mooncake, which can come in various flavors ranging from red bean paste to green tea to charcoal durian. Representing the full moon, mooncakes are also potent symbols of unity, reunion and completeness.

Lanterns are another essential element in the Mid-Autumn Festival. The lanterns in the artwork are based on the very popular translucent cellophane lanterns which come in various colors, shapes and sizes, with some even resembling animals or fantastic creatures. One of the lanterns is shaped like a dragon, a powerful and auspicious symbol in Chinese culture representing strength, good fortune, and unity. Lighting lanterns during the festival signifies the hope for a bright and prosperous future, and a way for families to come together and enjoy the warm glow of togetherness.

The rabbit is a popular symbol during the Mid-Autumn Festival, as it is a symbol of longevity and believed to represent the Jade Hare, the companion of the moon goddess, Chang'e. There are 8 white rabbits in the painting, representing the 8th lunar month. Rabbits are associated with good luck, fertility, abundance, and new beginnings. Two hidden rabbits are present: one is the rabbit lantern and the other is a pattern formed by the dark areas (seas) on the top right side of the Moon.

The writing above reads 中秋快乐 (zhōng qiū kuài lè), meaning Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

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