Unearthed – My Equilibrium, opening May 14 at Aurora Cultural Centre, explores nature, identity and the harmony between Eastern and Western artistic traditions
A quiet forest trail in Newmarket may seem worlds away from the dense urban streets of Shanghai, but for artist Jing Fu, the two landscapes have become deeply connected through paint.
This week, the Aurora Cultural Centre will unveil Unearthed – My Equilibrium, a new solo exhibition by Fu that traces her personal and artistic journey across continents, cultures and decades of creative exploration.
For Fu, the exhibition represents far more than a collection of paintings.
“This solo exhibition is more than just a display of my works; it’s a summary and heartfelt confession of my artistic journey spanning 30 years,” she said.
Born in Shanghai in 1972, Fu grew up in a highly urbanized environment with limited access to nature. The absence of green space intensified her fascination with the natural world — something she now describes as both sanctuary and freedom.
“In Shanghai, nature became a symbol of freedom and escape from stress,” she explained.
After immigrating to Toronto in 1998 and later settling in Newmarket a decade ago, Fu found herself immersed in the forests, wetlands and winding trails of York Region. Long hikes through southern Ontario landscapes gradually became central to her artistic process.
Those experiences now shape the foundation of Unearthed – My Equilibrium, where sweeping atmospheric landscapes sit alongside her more intimate “Roots” series of abstract works.
Drawing from the traditional Chinese art form of shanshui — literally translated as “mountains and water” painting — Fu blends Eastern artistic philosophy with Canadian natural scenery. Her paintings emphasize emotion, energy and spiritual connection over literal realism.
“The natural environment of southern Ontario serves as more than just a visual centerpiece,” Fu said in her artist statement. “It is a sanctuary for contemplation and meditation.”
The exhibition reflects two intertwined artistic paths: expansive landscapes inspired by Ontario wilderness, and richly textured studies of tangled roots and underground networks that symbolize emotional connection and inner balance.
“If Fu’s landscapes evoke the opposing yet harmonious forces of nature on a grand scale, her Roots series turns inward,” the cultural centre notes in its exhibition description.
Through layered brushwork and tactile textures, Fu captures what she calls the “rugged primal energy” of roots while revealing delicate patterns hidden beneath the earth’s surface.
The result is a body of work that feels simultaneously grounded and spiritual — an artistic conversation between the external world and the inner self.
Fu says the exhibition marks an important personal turning point.
“Holding a solo exhibition in Aurora is a ‘homecoming’ for me,” she said. “I use the essence and vision of Eastern landscapes to depict my deep affection for this land.”
“This signifies that I have finally found my artistic balance — I no longer need to make difficult choices between Eastern and Western cultures, because they have perfectly blended together in the landscapes I paint. This is not only an important milestone in my career, but also a spiritual dialogue with my neighbours and friends as a member of the community.”
The timing of the exhibition during Asian Heritage Month adds another layer of meaning.
Fu hopes her work encourages younger Asian artists to embrace their cultural roots rather than feeling pressured to separate tradition from contemporary expression.
“My art is a tribute to Asian traditions, proving that cultural identity is not a binary choice, but a harmonious integration,” she said. “By interpreting the beauty of Canadian nature through the philosophy of traditional landscape painting, I hope to show everyone that our cultural heritage is a unique prism that adds depth and soul to our perception of the world.”
For young Asian artists, Fu wants to convey the power of “authenticity.”
“I hope they see that a traditional cultural background is by no means an obstacle to becoming ‘contemporary,’ but rather their greatest strength. I want to tell them: embrace your roots, persist in creating with a ‘director’s mindset,’ and never be afraid to create original, bold, and profound works.”
The exhibition opens Thursday, May 14, with a public reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Homeroom Gallery at the Cultural Centre, located at 50 Victoria St. Light refreshments will be served, with remarks beginning at 7 p.m.
