“Kang Long You Hui” is the first move of the Dragon Subduing Palms kung fu, and it is also Su Hua’s first solo exhibition.

As the story unfolds, one year, Guo Jing obtained the kung fu essence from Hong Qigong, developing himself with undefeatable martial arts power to lord it over the world. Now as theauspicious year of the Dragon is coming, Guo Jing’s reincarnated soul boy Su Hua (it’s said Su Qi’er, also a successor of Dragon Subduing Palms, is Su Hua’s ancestor) also intends to show off his talents in this Year of the Dragon with the techniques he has trained for thirty years. He strides with great vigor, exuding an imposing demeanor—Guo Jing possesses three parts heroism and righteousness. Su Hua, on the other hand, embodies seven parts of a small and shrewd character— a mix of academicism, folk methods, a grand perspective, personal calculations, great skill that appears simple, ageless intelligence, and a handsome yet clever variety of unconventional and positive energy. After honing this combination to perfection, he carries eight parts of fear, blending it with a dose of hot-blooded passion. Despite having all these elements, he presents himself in two distinct exhibitions — the first exhibition: Upon Arrival of Dragon, and the second In the Name of No Name.

Su Hua, a folk customist, is exceptionally good at creating images on the topic of the New Year. Each year he paints a different animal — tiger in the Year of the Tiger, pig in the Year of the Pig, and so on. Among them, the sentiments are simple, but the affection is profound: hope that the wind and rain come in their time, the country prospers, and the people enjoy peace. A joyful occasion is on the horizon, marking the arrival of the Year of the Dragon (with reference to this solo exhibition). Su Hua painted a large dragon, retrieved his long-lost pen and ink, and passed down traditions that haven’t altered in millennia, which the title “Kang Long You Hui” is more or less derived from. In honor of this magnificent dragon, we gathered Su Hua’s Year of the Tiger greeting paintings from the previous year to construct a “Battle Between Dragon and Tiger” exhibition hall. With the simple hope that there are no more strife, that all beings are safe, and that we can enjoy the New Year together. Also, for the first exhibition, we chose additional new paintings with festive themes by Su Hua in the last two years, praying for blessings that will fill the world and satisfy the heart.

Su Hua possesses formidable martial skills and abundant talents, much like Guo Jing's mastery of the Eighteen Palms. Su Hua excels in the art of the Five-Link Whip. The so-called "New Year Painting Grandpa" is just one of Su Lao's many incarnations, a warm-up for the Five-Link Whip, showcasing only minor techniques. His artistic talent demonstrates an expansive and direct force on the canvas, representing the primary cultivation of this young prodigy, a notable achievement in turbulent times. This skill precisely hits its target, appearing effortless on the surface while being filled with a fierce determination. This is the mark of a true martial arts master, wielding a technique akin to striking a bull from behind a mountain. Seemingly casual, it is brimming with strength; seemingly indifferent, it is, in fact, full of deep affection. While spoken words may be playful, they carry sincere sentiments. Through the symbolism in the paintings, one can discern an intimate emotion, such as "affectionate to the point of pursed lips," and a love story of "sister, come quickly, brother is waiting by the water." Ultimately, love will usher in a beautiful conclusion: family reunion, the joys of raising children, and the happiness of raising a dog together.

Two exhibitions share one opening ceremony: at four o’clock in the afternoon on January 20, 2024, the selected day of fortune. By the grace of God, Muse speaks:

Red lanterns[1] hanging high, guests from all directions[2] arrive with laughter.

Demons dance wildly[3], pens wielded like swords, the table full of chicken, duck, fish, and meat.[4]

Take a Zhonghua cigarette, not enough, change to a kilo;[5]

Ebriety is bliss, drink less, reduce by half a pint.[6]

Dragons and tigers contend, red matches green, playing instruments, singing by men and women.[7]

Turning and tossing, the hero's spirit, awake in thought, only true love.[8]

A flying dragon in the sky is a rare talent, recognizing the prowess of a great person.[9]

You ask, what does art seek? Paintings, like the person, are lively streams of water.

[1] Check it out at the opening.

[2] Especially referring to the collectors.

[3] Especially referring to those besides collectors.

[4] Thanks for the gallery's preparation of the opening banquet.

[5] This is an allusion—the preparation team for Su Hua's exhibition is named "Buy a Kilo of Zhonghua Cigarette."

[6] Su Hua always makes a fool of himself when he gets drunk, so please make sure to get him intoxicated.

[7] With limited talent, Su Hua can only create something like this, all included in these two lines of poetry.

[8] Today, according to the I Ching divination, it is auspicious to buy paintings.

[9] This is a compliment to the artist, wishing Su Hua's art to remain evergreen!